Saathee Raleigh July 2026 by Shukla Entertainment

Hello Readers

Sing the songs of summer. The music is ﬁne, the weather is warm and and bodies of water invite one and all to jump in.

Welcome to the July edition. The country celebrates its 250 years of independence while we bring you a plethora of original reading material. Don’t forget to take your copy along when sitting by the poolside or lounging on the sand at the beach.

When you call or visit one of our advertisers, be sure to mention that you saw their ad in Saathee Magazine, Saathee.com or the weekly eNewsletter. We can’t bring this resource to you without their continuing support. Visit Saathee.com for regularly updated content.

We welcome comments and suggestions. Just drop us a note.

Some highlights in this issue:

♦ “Choosing Where to Grow Old” series continues on page 24.

♦ Find more summer movies in our “Upcoming Movies” on page 34.

♦ Read the Nutrition for Life column for summertime foods to help keep your mind and body cool. Page 30.

♦ Looking for a job or new business? See latest Classiﬁeds on page 108.

We would be happy to add anyone in the Carolinas to the Saathee Magazine mailing list at no charge, visit saathee.com/subscription and also sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter.

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

- Benjamin Franklin

Cover: Varkala Beach, Kerala

A coastal retreat in Kerala, this beach is famed for its red laterite cliffs, adventure sports, and the Papanasam waters, believed to absolve sins near the historic Janardhana Swamy Temple.

Photo by Dmitry Rukhlenko Adobe Stock

“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”

July 2026 Issue # 338

Editor Samir Shukla (Samir@Saathee.com)

Publisher & Advertising Divakar Shukla 704-527-7570 or saatheemag@hotmail.com

Digital Media & Marketing

Jennifer W. Allen

Ad Design / Layout DSJ Graphics, Cooper’s Hive

Contributors for this issue:

Shashin Surkund, Parul Kharod, Anuj Kasera Dipika Kohli, Balaji Prasad, Ketu Desai, Ahsen Jillani, Rupa Pereira, Hansika Munugula, Lavanya Kethamukkala, Hiren Deliwala, Dhruv Pathak, Malini Amaladoss, Dr. Maha Gingrich, and Jalendu Vaidya.

Mission: Our goal is to be a valuable source of information for the South Asian community and to be a vital advertising tool for businesses.

Saathee

(USPS 021-116) (ISSN: 1543-8147) is published monthly by: Shukla Entertainment Inc.

612 Heather Ln., Charlotte, NC 28209

Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte, NC and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Saathee, P.O. Box 11468, Charlotte, NC 28220-1468

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Please contact us prior to submitting articles or photographs. Saathee is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the month.

Editor’s Desk Editor’s Desk

by Samir Shukla

23,000 Suns

The tree fell with a dull thud. It was a huge Oak tree, long dead and leaning under its own weight. When this one landed on the ground, it wasn’t as loud as another tree that fell on our property a couple of years earlier. Maybe because the top part of this tree fell into a pond. This tree was clearly destined to fall over. It was just a matter of time. Its roots had begun to lose their hold on the soil. It was bereft of leaves, slowly decomposing from the inside.

I thought it would remain standing like that, leaning, for a couple more years. Nope. Heavy rains and a very windy day gave the old timer a nudge and down it went. Thankfully, it was a safe distance from our house.

It is awe inspiring to see this mass of wood. You can climb on it, sit on it, try to gauge its total weight. I wondered how old it was before it stopped living. Sometimes you can count the rings on a cut tree to tell its approximate age, but this thing was already degrading inside before it fell. The rings are undetectable. Now there it is lying across the land. We will have to deal with it sometime, now that its sun-worship days are over.

I estimated that tree was probably 100 years old. It had stood there dead for a while. Not sure how long, but at least since we bought this property couple of years back. If my time estimate is correct, and since it emerged as a sapling, it had

Editor’s Desk continued on page 86

Upcoming Events

Red, White, and Belmont: (July 3, 2026)

Get ready to paint the town with patriotic hues at the Red, White, & Belmont celebration! Join for an evening filled with star-spangled excitement as the night kicks off with a concert with Too Much Sylvia. As the sun sets, the fireworks show will be a dazzling addition to your Independence Day. Stowe Park, 24 S Main St, Belmont, NC. Info: Cityofbelmont.org/stowe-park.

Fourth Celebration: Charlotte, NC (July 3 – 4, 2026)

Celebrate the holiday outdoors at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte. The festivities span over two days with live music, a Saturday trail race, multiple yoga practices and more. Takes place July 3 – 4, 2026. Info: Whitewater.org.

Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest: Raleigh, NC (July 4, 2026)

Experience the best of North Carolina at Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest! Presented by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, this free, all-day festival celebrates the arts, history, nature and culture that deﬁne NC’s role in the nation’s story. Enjoy musical performances. This downtown Raleigh celebration will complement a morning parade organized by the N.C. Department of Labor and evening ﬁreworks at Dix Park organized by the City of Raleigh. July 4, 2026, 10am – 4pm. Info: america250.nc.gov.

Musical Yoga: Morrisville, NC (July 7 - 12, 2026)

HSNC presents Musical Yoga led Yogiraj Dr. Omprakash Maharaj. Every night July 7 - 12, 2026, 6:30 - 8:30pm at HSNC Main Hall, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. Info: 919-8688724 or visit Hsnctemple.org.

Indian Idol Musical Concert: Raleigh, NC (July 11, 2026)

Enjoy a live concert with Indian Idol Finalist (11 & 14) Subhadeep Das Chowdhury and Indian Idol 15 winner Manasi Ghosh, along with live musicians, on Saturday, July 11, 2026 starting at 6pm at the Stewart Theatre in Raleigh, NC. For details, text 919-868-9000 or 919-423-9426.

Symphony by the Lake: Blowing Rock, NC (July 17, 2026)

Experience a performance by the Symphony of the Mountains featuring Jake Hoot, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge. Take your seat on the grass by Chetola Lake under the evening sky. Bring a picnic to enjoy with friends and family or purchase meals from caterers at the event. There will be ﬁreworks after the show. The performance will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, starting at 7:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm). More info is available at Symphonyonthemountain.org.

Telugu Mega Convention: Charlotte, NC (July 17 – 19, 2026)

The Telangana American Telugu Association presents a Mega Convention at the Charlotte Convention Center between July 17 & 19, 2026. Come be a part of history as they bring the vibrant spirit of Telugu to Charlotte for the very ﬁrst time. Experience business seminars, CME, youth programs, cultural programs, CXO, matrimonial, women’s forum, and more. Registration and other info: Ttaconvention.org/registration.

Beaufort (NC) Water

Festival (July 17 – 26, 2026)

Each year, local and national businesses, along with our philanthropic partners, help the festival continue to grow and thrive. The 70th annual Water Festival will be held for 10 days between July 17 & 26, 2023 throughout Beaufort proper with a variety of events for the whole family to enjoy. Find out more: Bftwaterfestival.com.

Jagannath Ji Ratha Yatra: Morrisville, NC (July 18, 2026)

HSNC presents a Ratha Yatra on Saturday, July 18, 2026, 7:30am - 4pm at HSNC, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. For more info contact, 732-267-2012 or visit Hsnctemple.org.

Vishal

Shekar Live: Raleigh, NC (July 19, 2026)

Catch singer/songwriter duo Vishal and Sheykhar live in concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, 5:15pm at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Turn to page 2 for details or buy tickets at Ticketmaster.com.

Life Mission Youth Camp: Mebane,

NC (July 19 – 25, 2026)

The annual youth summer camp, featuring yoga, nature walks, arts, drama, Indian culture, sports, and cultural discussions, will take place from July 19 – 25, 2026 in Mebane, NC in an Ashram setting. For more details call 760-473-4811 or visit Lifemissionusa.org.

Upcoming Events

Shrimad Bhagwat Katha: Morrisville, NC (July 19 – 25, 2026)

HSNC and Banke Bihari Pariwaar of NC present a katha by Acharya Shri Gaurav Krishna Goswami ji on July 19 - 25, 2026 at HSNC Main Hall, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. Daily: Prasad (5-6pm), Katha (6-8:30pm), Mahaprasad (8:30pm). For more details, call 919-622-4514, 252-373-3294 or visit Bhagwatmission.org or Vrajas.com.

Queen’s Feast Summer Edition:

Charlotte, NC (July 24 - August 2, 2026)

The next Queen’s Feast runs Friday, July 24, through Sunday, August 2, 2026, giving diners an opportunity to explore the region’s culinary scene at palatable prices. Participating restaurants will oﬀer threecourse, prix ﬁxe menus priced to entice and curated to showcase their best. Details: CharlotteRestaurantWeek.com

Hindu Center Inauguration Ceremony:

Charlotte, NC (July 25, 2026)

The inauguration ceremony of the Vedic Mandir at the Hindu Center takes place from noon to 6 pm. Experience a new beginning of our spritual journey. Also participate in the months long pran pratishtha mahotsav of the various deities. For details turn to page 3 or 76 or visit hcclt.org.

Sweetgrass

Festival: Mount Pleasant, SC (July 25, 2026)

The annual Sweetgrass Festival in Mount Pleasant will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10am to 3pm at Memorial Waterfront Park. It is designed to bring attention to the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people’s history, culture, traditions and their sweetgrass basket art form. Oﬀering free admission, entertainment and activities, the Sweetgrass Festival also provides an opportunity for local basket makers to showcase, promote and market their sweetgrass merchandise. Details available at Experiencemountpleasant.com.

OBX Watermelon Festival:

Nags Head, NC (August 6, 2026)

Enjoy games, food, face painting, tie-dye shirt making, arts and crafts activities, a climbing wall, watermelon fun and more at Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head, NC on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 10am4pm. The 20th annual OBX Watermelon Festival is free to attend. Food and activities require tickets. Compete in classic competitions like watermelon eating. Learn more at Kittyhawk.com.

TAHTS Health Fair:

Morrisville, NC (August 8, 20226)

The Health Fair will take place on August 8, 2026, at HSNC Main Hall, 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC. Interested attendees can have their blood drawn on August 1, 2026, and speak to various physicians and specialists about their results and health concerns on August 8. Details: Tahts.org.

Hasya Kavi Sammelan: Charlotte, NC (August 8, 2026)

The International Hindi Samiti, Charlotte Chapter presents “Hasya Kavi Sammelan” featuring Sampat Saral, Chirag Jain and Govind Rathi on Saturday, August 8, 2026, starting at 4:30pm at the Hindu Center of Charlotte. Enjoy poetry, essays and the love of Hindi. For more details, call 919995-2637.

Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng: Charlotte, NC (August 22, 2026)

During these divided times, many people believe that open dialogue and discourse are the only tools to mend a wounded nation. Comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng believe the opposite: Hatred is the answer. The comedy duo will air their grievances, on stage, at the same time, about America, each other, and each other’s entire family trees. Belk Theater. Info: Blumenthalarts.org.

Kiran Bazaar: Morrisville, NC (August 22, 2026)

Support South Asian survivors of domestic violence and shop an exclusive selection of local clothing, jewelry, services and food vendors. The ﬁrst 100 attendees will receive complimentary tote bags. It takes place on August 22, 2026, at HSNC Main Hall, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. For more details, visit Kiraninc.org.

Prana Prathishtapana: Greensboro, NC (September 10 – 13, 2026)

The Triad Hindu Temple presents Prana Prathishtapana, a once-in-a-generation spiritual event. Experience the sacred rituals performed by esteemed priests as they invoke divine grace and energize the spiritual power of their temple. This celebration will take place between September 10 & 13, 2026 at 7751 Alcorn Road in Greensboro, NC. To learn more, visit their Facebook page.

Keep up with all the events happening in our region with Saathee. The best way to find them is in these pages or online at our regularly updated events section: Saathee.com/events

Where Every Strike Tells a Story

The Magic of Carrom

My Voice by Shashin Surkund

Some families bond over movies. Mine bonded over carrom.

Growing up in South Mumbai, my love for the game started at home, thanks to my father’s passion for it. He taught me a unique style that still deﬁnes my game today: adding spin to the striker as it hits the coins.

My fondest memories are of Friday-night family tournaments. The stakes were surprisingly high—not money or trophies, but the right to choose the weekend menu. Over time, my mother and I became a formidable doubles team, much to the playful frustration of my father and sister. Our victories often resulted in celebratory chicken or ﬁsh curries lovingly prepared by my mom.

Carrom was also woven into the fabric of our community. In our cooperative housing society, Diwali meant more than lights and sweets, it meant sports competitions. For several years, I proudly held the title of unbeaten under-ﬁfteen carrom champion. Visits from accomplished players such as Ramesh Chitty inspired all of us youngsters and showed us how much skill and artistry the game could contain.

A Journey Across Continents

When I moved to the United States in 1995 to pursue a career in technology, carrom slowly faded into the background. Life became busy, and I shifted my attention to sports like tennis and table tennis.

Then, nearly three decades later, carrom found its way back into my life.

In 2024, I introduced the game into my organization as part of an associate experience initiative. What began as a simple activity quickly became something much bigger.

Carrom

The Author and his mother playing carrom

Choosing Where to Grow Old

My Voice

by Malini Amaladoss

Learning Through Realities: Part 7

Preparing for the Unexpected

During our three-month stay in India, certain thoughts quietly lingered in the background of my mind. They were not always spoken aloud, but they shaped the way I observed daily life around me. One concern that surfaced often was the question of medical emergencies. My husband was still recovering from a stroke, and naturally that heightened my awareness of how we would handle an urgent situation if one were to arise.

In the United States, we are accustomed to dialing 911, knowing that emergency services will respond promptly. In India, however, I realized that I did not even know which number to call in such a situation. I also wondered how quickly paramedics might arrive, particularly in a city like Bangalore where traﬃc can be unpredictable.

There was some comfort in knowing that when my brother helped arrange our apartment, he had thoughtfully chosen a location close to several hospitals. The very next morning after we moved in, I found myself consciously observing the neighborhood, quietly noting where these hospitals were located. To my surprise, there were quite a few within a short distance.

Bangalore seems to have an abundance of healthcare facilities scattered throughout the city. Yet another question lingered in my mind: with the heavy traﬃc that the city is known for, how quickly could one reach a hospital during an emergency?

Eventually, I reminded myself not to overthink possibilities that had not yet occurred. The truth is that we rarely know how any situation will unfold until we are actually faced with it. At some point, one must learn to trust the systems that exist and accept a certain degree of calculated uncertainty.

Not everything in life will function exactly as we are accustomed to, and worrying about every possibility can easily steal the peace of the present moment.

Log Kya Kahenge

The Through Line

by Dhruv Pathak

In 2018, I was in my parents’ family room in Charlotte, with CNN playing in the background. This talk felt different from their usual reminders to find a job and settle down. There was less guilt and more focus on solutions. My dad leaned in and spoke the most. “I agree with you,” he said. “Racism is bad. Things in this country aren’t good. But it’s not your responsibility. Write, make videos, post on Facebook, but stay away from the jhandha (flag).” My mom filled the quiet moments, as if she were adding lines to a hip-hop song.

They worried about my safety, and about who might notice me, what people would say, and who those people might tell.

That feeling has a name: log kya kahenge, which means “what will people say?” The shame it brings runs deeper than personal embarrassment. It’s diﬀerent from the fear most Americans carry. An American who skips a protest might worry about their job or getting arrested. We worry about that, as well as about our family’s reputation. A South Asian protester’s actions can aﬀect their parents’ standing at the mandir and elsewhere where the family is known. In 2026, 18% of Indian Americans say they avoid political protests and rallies, and I’m sure many have heard something like what I heard eight years ago.

But bhai, it’s been over 60 years. Please didi, aunty, uncle, hear me out: can we, as a people with the world’s oldest living religion and one of the oldest civilizations,

move beyond being seen only for our pretty saris and kurtas, our skill at dance, our spicy food, and a religion that seems mythical to our Anglo-American counterparts? We perform these things everywhere: to American colleagues who want to feel welcoming, to aunties at the mandir, to the WhatsApp groups comparing careers, at every event where we feel we have to prove ourselves.

And we are a highly accomplished technocratic community that runs hospitals, writes the code behind today’s most advanced technology, leads Fortune 500 companies, and builds impressive wealth. Yet after sixty years, we still deﬁne ourselves only by our achievements, not by who we are as people. That is the problem: success has become our identity.

Two hundred ﬁfty years ago, on July 4th, a group of Englishmen did something remarkable: they demanded complete freedom. They didn’t ask to be treated more fairly by the empire that governed them; they’d already tried that, and it only made their suﬀering worse. They refused the entire arrangement, the idea that their self-perception was something a distant power got to determine. That refusal is what the Declaration of Independence really stands for. On our country’s 250th anniversary, it brings up a simple question for us: what have we, as South Asian Americans, ever refused?

page 72

Log Kya Kahenge continued on

All the People

Can We Talk?

Kismuth and the Way by

Dipika Kohli

Maybe it’s just an old habit from a past life as a reporter. Maybe it’s my interest in other people, their stories. Maybe it’s something else, an aversion to the internet? But when I want to know something, like for real, like, really care about it and want to understand it, I do not turn to AI.

I ask people.

Real human beings. Mostly, people I know, or who know people I know. It’s hit and miss, but it’s a diﬀerent quality of data.

I mean, I want to ask people who have a particular way of understanding a topic and can speak with authority on it. Not just the bland ol’ internet. I had a bad habit of trusting Reddit too much there for a while, before recognizing it as the echo chamber it really is. But a mix of views matters to me. This may be why I gather people together who come from very different backgrounds, have different first languages, and these days aren’t even geographically close, for conversations. Real ones. I am very handy now with Telegram. Learning some of the other ones: Signal, Discord... LINE.

I want to ask the people would know a thing or two about a subject, a viewpoint, or a trend. Sea change stories. Amazing to research, and they interview a lot of people whom I’ve built relationships with over time. Trust is there. Trust, built by rapport, quality exchanges. Mutuality. And a shared belief that asking questions to ﬁnd out things is important, if you care about truly learning.

But asking questions of people is getting harder, now, too. You write to someone and they write you back like they’re an AI. Never in my life did I expect to write to someone who replied with a generic email with the lines, ‘Are you a human being Thanks for transparency.’

I could go into a long paragraph about a philosophy of identity, and how things that contradict one another co-exist and change within us, as we go. I could. But I’ll spare you. I’ll just let you know that sometimes, when I’m really lost, I want to talk to a lot Kismuth continued on page 82

Summertime Picnics and Beach Trips

Nutrition for Life

by Parul Kharod

As I write this, it is 104 degrees here in North Carolina this afternoon. Summer has its advantages, but it also comes with days of scorching heat. Global warming and climate change has brought uncertain weather conditions, and we are seeing more hot days worldwide than ever before. Of course, we want to enjoy the summer, whether it is picnics or a beach trip! Here are some ideas for meals that will keep you nourished and hydrated. First, let’s talk about some tips for staying cool during hot weather.

Drink adequate amount of water

It has been surprising to see how many people just don’t drink enough water every day! Each person’s goals can vary, but on average adults should be drinking about 2 liters (half a gallon) of water on a daily basis. Drink small sips throughout the day, preferably between meals. Drink room temperature or slightly cooler water, but avoid drinking ice cold beverages as that can disturb normal digestion.

Eat a variety of fruits & vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great way to stay hydrated. Vegetables such as cucumber and celery, plus fruits such as watermelon, berries, and pomegranate are all great foods for the summer.

Avoid high sodium/salty foods

Excess salt can make you dehydrated. Be mindful about salty snacks, frozen ready-to-eat foods, and any high sodium sauces and ingredients used in cooking.

Summer picnic meals

Bhel/chaat: Bhel or chaat is a great picnic treat that is easy to prep ahead of time and provides good nutrients. Make sure to add boiled mung or sprouted mung/moth and boiled kaala chana, raw cut mango, and pomegranate seeds. These foods will provide protein, complex carbohydrates, and good hydration. Avoid adding excess salty mixtures.

Dahi Vada/Dahi Bhalla: Instead of deep fried traditional vada, make a healthier version using mung daal, and make the vada in a paniyaram/appe pan. The cold yogurt ﬂavored with roasted cumin is very cooling. You can use dairy or non-dairy plain yogurt per your preference.

GCAP organizes numerous activities and events including Holi, Navratri, Diwali and more. 127 Landmark Dr., Greensboro, North Carolina 27409

GCAP was established to preserve Gujarati cultural heritages and traditions, educate the youth, celebrate Indian festivals and create networking amongst individuals within our community. Established in 1992, GCAP is a

non-profit, charitable and educational organization. Our mission is to create an innovative, inclusive and ideal Gujarati Samaj to implement our vision and activities. We believe we must nurture the youth of our community to become leaders of tomorrow while nourishing our senior citizens to provide opportunities for inter-generational exchange of ideas and knowledge. The Piedmont region of NC includes Greensboro, Winston Salem, High Point and surrounding areas.

Chandnis Chandnis

Upcoming Movie Releases

July 1-3

Rao Bahadur (Director: Venkatesh Maha)

Cast: Satyadev, Deepa Thomas, and Anand Bharathi

Dhamaal 4 (Director: Indra Kumar)

Cast: Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, and Arshad Warsi

Enola Holmes 3 (Director: Philip Barantini)

Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Himesh Patel, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham Carter

Nagabandham (Director: Abhishek Nama)

Cast: Virat Karrna, Nabha Natesh, Iswarya Menon, and Jagapathi Babu

Young Washington (Director: Jon Erwin)

Cast: William Franklyn-Miller, Mary-Louise Parker, Andy Serkis, and Ben Kingsley

Lockbox (Director: Daniel Stamm)

Cast: Carla Gugino, Lou Taylor Pucci, and Katharine Isabella

Mahaprabhu Jagannath (Director: Shripad Warkhedkar)

Cast: Prachi Save Saathi, Sonal Kaushal, and Aditya Raj Sharma

Baby Do Die Do (Director: Nachiket Samant)

Cast: Huma Qureshi, Sikandar Kher, and Chunky Panday

July 10

Moana (Director: Thomas Kail)

Cast: Catherine Laga’aia, John Tui, and Dwayne Johnson

Alpha (Director: Shiv Rawail)

Cast: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor

The Isolate Thief (Director: John Suits)

Cast: Sean Bean, Odeya Rush, Mackenzie Foy, and Joe Pantoliano

Night Nurse (Director: Georgia Bernstein)

Cast: Cemre Paksoy and Bruce McKenzie

July 17

The Odyssey (Director: Christopher Nolan)

Cast: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron

July 24

The Dink (Director: Josh Greenbaum)

Cast: Jake Johnson, Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Harris

Hadestown: The Musical (Director: Brett Sullivan)

Cast: Reeve Carney and Patrick Page

Motor City (Director: Potsy Ponciroli)

Cast: Alan Ritchson, Shailene Woodley, and Pablo Schreiber

The India Story: Slow Poison in Progress

(Director: Chettan DK)

Cast: Kajal Aggarwal, Shreyas Talpade, and Murali Sharma

Uttar Da Puttar (Director: Ravinder Siwach)

Cast: Annu Kapoor, Brijendra Kala, Sumit Gulati, and Ishtiyak Khan

July 31

Side Heroes (Director: Ssanjay Tripaathy)

Cast: Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana, and Varun Sharma

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

(Director: Destin Daniel Cretton)

Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Mark Ruﬀalo

Tera Yaar Hoon Main (Director: Milap Zaveri)

Cast: Aman Indra Kumar, Akanksha Sharma, and Paresh Rawal

I want Your Sex (Director: Gregg Araki)

Cast: Olivia Wilde, Daveed Diggs, and Cooper Hoﬀman

Saathee.com/movies has the latest info on where the movies are showing or streaming. Release dates subject to change.

Alpha

Shiv Rawail directs Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor in an action thriller marking India’s ﬁrst femaleled action spectacle. Two girls are forced to join forces and pushed to their limits as they confront a ruthless nemesis, leading to a brutal showdown. July 10, 2026

Ikka

A high-voltage thriller starring Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, and Dia Mirza is directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra. Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes courtroom battle, Ikka explores themes of justice, morality, family, and the consequences of choices made in the past. July 10, 2026.

The Isolate Thief

A young woman struggles to conceal the gold she stole from violent outlaws who have seized control of her remote outpost, outwitting them amid a deadly winter where survival becomes a game of cunning and betrayal. Directed by John Suits, the ﬁlm stars Sean Bean, Odeya Rush, Mackenzie Foy, and Joe Pantoliano. July 10, 2026.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

A forgotten Peter Parker lives alone as a full-time SpiderMan until mounting pressure triggers a dangerous change and a powerful new enemy emerges. Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Mark Ruﬀalo star in the movie directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. July 31, 2026.

Super Troopers 3

Director Jay Chandrasekhar returns with a comedy of an unpredictable family feud. The cast includes Hannah Simone, Iqbal Theba, and Sakina Jaﬀrey. When a wildly over-the-top Indian engagement spirals into chaos, the gang navigates schemes to break up the relationship, and crack a new drug ring. August 7, 2026.

The End of Oak Street

The Platt family bands together to navigate their new surroundings after a cosmic event transports their suburban neighborhood to someplace unknown. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, the ﬁlm stars Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, and P.J. Byrne. August 14, 2026.

The Brink of War

President Reagan races against time to make a deal with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that could dismantle nuclear arsenals-or ignite disaster. Michael Russell Gunn directs Jeﬀ Daniels, Jared Harris, and J.K. Simmons. August 14, 2026.

Does a 529 Plan Still Make Sense?

Financially Speaking by

Rupa Pereira

The traditional “four-year college degree as the only path to success” model has oﬃcially cracked. Over the last few years, a perfect storm of skyrocketing tuition costs, massive student debt headlines, and the rapid rise of specialized credentials has forced a massive cultural rethink.

Employers, including major tech giants and government agencies, are increasingly stripping “degree required” phrases from their job postings, opting instead for skill-based hiring.

Higher education is no longer viewed as a sacred rite of passage, but rather as a highly scrutinized ﬁnancial investment where alternative pathways like trade schools, accelerated certiﬁcates, and micro-credentials are valid, competitive rivals.

For parents and students, this shift means the conversation must change from “Where are you going to college?” to “What is the return on investment (ROI) of this speciﬁc path?” Families can no longer aﬀord to choose a university based solely on campus aesthetics, sports culture, or vague promises of a “well-rounded education.” A degree can still be incredibly valuable, but only if the math makes sense for the student’s actual career goals.

Furthermore, preparing for the modern workforce now requires a mindset of continuous agility rather than a “one-and-done” mindset.

The skillsets demanded by employers are changing at a blistering pace, driven largely by automation and artiﬁcial intelligence. That begs the question: How can parents and students adapt to a disruptive education and workforce landscape using existing tools to fund higher education such as a 529?

Even as higher education undergoes its biggest disruption in generations, the 529 plan has evolved from a rigid “university fund” into an agile, lifelong career investment portfolio. Under modern rules, a 529 plan is completely agnostic about whether a student chooses the sciences or a trade skill. Here’s why a 529 plan still makes sense.

It Embraces the Skill-Based Economy

If a student decides to bypass a four-year university, the funds can be deployed entirely tax-free for accredited trade schools, vocational programs, and registered technical apprenticeships.

The plan actively supports adult upskilling. It can fund the expensive preparation materials, bootcamps, and mandatory testing fees required to earn highpaying professional credentials like a CPA, cybersecurity certiﬁcations, or a law license.

It Oﬀers a Tax-Free “Escape Hatch” for Leftover Funds

One of the greatest hesitations for parents—the fear of trapping thousands of dollars if their child skips college—has been completely neutralized. Leftover 529 funds are no longer trapped behind a 10% penalty wall. Families can roll up to a lifetime maximum of $35,000

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Leave Crying for Tomorrow … Today is Real!

Thinking About Thinking

by Balaji Prasad

“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Suﬃcient for the day is its own trouble.

~ The Bible (Matthew 6:25 – 34)

Tomorrow is dimly visible. The day after tomorrow is a blur. And after that? Who knows?

If tomorrow comes …

Tomorrow could be a complete break from today. It could go from what feels dark to the brightest of lights. Or … it could go from light to dark. It is possible that I could be dead and gone by the time anyone reads these lines. That is not overly dramatic. Many others have said this in various ways. “Memento Mori!” asks us to keep in mind that we must die. Although, this Latin reminder doesn’t put a speciﬁc date on the rather unpleasant-to-ponder event.

Only in some instances are we actually able to predict things like death and other extraordinary events. In most instances, we cannot make ﬁrm predictions and are therefore forced to deal with what happens only after the fact.

Tomorrow may come … but not until tomorrow!

Predictions for non-trivial things are not reliable. Those who opine on the stock market and make recommendations often say this. In fact, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires such seers to state clearly that “past performance is not indicative of future results”. Clearly, anyone who has failed to get rich beyond their wildest dreams by harvesting the stock market will sadly acknowledge the truth of this assertion. Those who have can thumb their noses at the rest of the losers like me.

Unknowable things cannot be known. By deﬁnition. Tomorrow contains many unknowable things. There could be a war. There could be assassinations. There could be famine, drought and pestilence, or any number of such things. Or there could be unexpected windfalls too, such as winning the lottery.

At

At 250, Is Soft Power Still Relevant?

250, Is Soft Power Still Relevant?

Subcontinental Divide

by Ahsen Jillani

Once upon a time . . . heh heh … just kidding.

But really, once upon a time in August of 1979, I was an 18-year-old smoking a cigarette at JFK airport in NYC waiting on a shuttle to take me to LaGuardia Airport. I was strangely calm, having left home for the ﬁrst time to attend college in the U.S. The air smelled a little diﬀerent from Bangkok, a humid and bustling tropical city that I had left two days earlier on three days’ notice to attend college in North Carolina.

Over the next couple of months, many friends and relatives contacted me asking how I was adjusting to life in America. Standing at some phone booth or lounging on my rental couch (special student apartment package for $63/month), I would tell them all the same tired story: I felt nothing diﬀerent in America.

This was the incredible power America exerted over the planet due to its enviable and intimidating inﬂuence. Even before attending American International Schools in Southeast Asia, I was intimately familiar with American culture. I was assigned a host family in Charlotte and was later adopted by my roommate’s host family as well. They expected someone totally green coming out of some village, and were shocked at the breadth of my knowledge about the U.S.

One can call it the Cold War era propaganda campaign, or the tremendous pull of the capitalistic P.R. machinery that was a magical net cast over the planet. Everyone knew about Coca Cola, M&M chocolates, burgers, Chevys, the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon; about Disney and Steve McQueen, about Farrah Fawcett and Elvis, and about Hollywood and the Empire State Building. Being a U.N. brat, I also knew a disturbing but humorous side of America. The diplomats America sent abroad to represent it, I much later learned, were often presidential appointees who had weird resumes. These folks could be farmers, gun shop owners, or even weird real estate developers.

Subcontinental Divide continued on page 96

More Than a Diagnosis What Diabetes Reveals About Community

Hansika Munugala

In a rural classroom in India, more than 400 girls gathered on a worn concrete ﬂoor for a session on diabetes education. The room was simple and ﬁlled with quiet attention. Many had heard the word diabetes before.

Some associated it with family members who took medication daily. Others linked it loosely to sugar intake. The condition was familiar in name but not in meaning.

As the session continued, questions emerged. Could diabetes be prevented? Why do some people develop it while others do not? Does it run in families? What foods make it worse?

As I observed and engaged with the students that day, I realized something deeper than a gap in medical knowledge. Diabetes was already present in their lives, but it had not yet been translated into understanding. It existed as experience without structure.

That realization became one of the early motivations behind UDAYA, a nonproﬁt I founded to promote diabetes education and health literacy in South Asian communities.

My Voice by

Photos Courtesy of Hansika Munugala

Dances of India Community Focus

The 22nd annual “Dances of India” performances captivated a sold-out audience at Matthews Community Center on May 31, 2026. Dr. Maha Gingrich concluded the production Dances of India to a standing ovation. This year’s production was a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, choreographed to bridge 3,000 years of history, featuring a diverse array of classical and folkdance forms. Audiences were treated to the intricate precision of classical dances presented through dance dramas. The program featured traditional arts from around the globe, with the production’s highlight, signature dance, Unity in Diversity, performed to live orchestra.

“The success of this year’s Dances of India is a testament to the enduring beauty and relevance of these ancient art forms,” said Dr. Gingrich. “Seeing the audience connect so deeply with these stories and movements each year is truly gratifying.” Dances of India continues its long-standing tradition, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the regional performing arts calendar.

Info: Mahasdancesoﬁndia.com.

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Cyber Insurance Cyber Insurance

by Anuj Kasera

Insurance agents are always trying to get the best policy for their customers and it is a delicate balance between costs and coverage. A cheap policy does not mean anything if it fails to cover you when needed. I regularly have this conversation with my customers, especially business owners as they try to reduce their expenses during these inﬂationary times.

One coverage that comes up is cyber insurance. Just recently, I was talking to a gas station owner about the need to have this policy as we were reviewing his coverage during renewal. So let us dig deeper into this coverage. Compared to the regular insurance coverages like home or business insurance, cyber insurance is relatively new and increasingly important for businesses. Cyber insurance is a type of insurance policy that helps a business cover ﬁnancial damage resulting from cyber-attacks or data breaches. This coverage is becoming more important as both the cost of data breach and number of cyber-attacks continue to rise. Initially, cyber policies were add-ons to traditional liability coverage for companies in the tech and security industries.

The pandemic and AI completely changed the dynamics of this coverage. Remote work and ease of hacking have dramatically increased the threat landscape.

Note that cyber insurance does not prevent cyberattacks. It will cover ﬁnancial damage resulting from a cyber attack on your business. This is especially important for businesses that store personal customer information like pharmacies or accept and retain customer ﬁnancial information like hotels, online stores, and others.

Local businesses, like real estate professionals, who may store the customer information on their system, are also prime targets as they have access to ﬁnancial data of their customers.

A massive May 2026 data extortion event on Canvas, the lead system used in most schools and colleges refocused the growing impact of cyber threat. Unfortunately, these attacks are not limited to big businesses. Cyber-attacks targeting small businesses are at all time high and now account for 43% of all attacks.

Quarter Millennial

by Samir Shukla

the red the white the blue

Animals in diﬀerent ecosystems around the planet mark their territories in their own manners, create boundaries for survival. A pissing here. A scratched rock there. A hole in a tree or the ground. Under corals or inside a shell in the sea. In wide open prairies or thick woodlands. Under a rock in a stream. These are their homelands. This is their entire known universe. They live and survive there. In that little hole, that shelter. Even mass animal migrations usually wind up with the creatures returning to their homelands. Their familiar and marked territories.

This brings us to a uniquely human concept that only humans can conjure. Us, the migratory, restless, ever conjuring and conquering beings. Us, the defenders of property and lands. Us, the owners of things. We took the animal kingdom’s instinctive marking of boundaries to new heights and created the concept of nations.

These very speciﬁc markers, lines drawn down to millimeters, these things called borders, these invisible lines that demarcate nations are humans laying down territorial claims. They may be fenced or walled or wide open. Some are long established lines while others are still unsettled. Still fought over.

They are human weavings of the geographic and watery parcels of the planet. Ever since humans began gathering and creating settlements, this notion of nations took hold. Creating nations. Assigning borders. Fighting for sovereignty. Are these bordered parcels of land necessary? The simple answer is yes. Chaos and anarchy are not nice things. Nations create a sense of order. The immediate pushback to the notion of nations is the brutal history of humans. I understand. The violence and the thievery of lands inhabited by others and reformatted into newer nations. Found lands. Stolen lands. Reclaimed. Stolen or conquered again. Sadly, our capacity for brutality only worsens when it comes to defending, creating, or expanding nations.

the white

On the ﬂip side, nations oﬀer something that is felt to our cores - identity, belonging.

In this moment in history, though, I don’t want to talk about the human foibles or negative things that can be tagged to nations and borders.

This moment is about a unique nation. In all the scattering of borders through history, a nation was carved out of a vast land 250 years ago. America, this land.

There are myriad issues and divisions within this nation of America. Then again, what other nation, community, or tribe doesn’t have similar dilemmas? At this juncture, this July, I’m not going to spend words highlighting the past or current negatives. Not in this space. Not today. I’m interested in the incoming possible, the continuing story of Americans, people gathered in this land from every corner of the globe, making it their own.

In this land, within the boundaries of a nation called America, I’ll say this without reservation. My nation. My country. My America. This juncture I will wholeheartedly celebrate for what this country has given to me, my family. The person it has helped me become. I sing a song of assured stillness, this personal patriotism, no bogus bravado or chest pounding need apply.

This patriotism is not beholden to any political party, posturing or ideologies. No one can deﬁne it for me. It is lived. It is celebrated. It evolves. It is mine. I feel it in my bones.

In this moment, I don’t need to be reminded of historical record. I want to celebrate a unique nation and the possible future. The continuing work of America. Our commonalities are not scarce. They are sometimes temporarily forgotten or misplaced.

I cherish this moment in history. I celebrate this date. July 4, 2026. The red, the white, the blue, beaming bright. This number. 250 years. Quarter millennial.

Onward.

Samir Shukla is the Editor of Saathee Magazine Contact: Samir@Saathee.com X: @ShuklaWrites Newsletter: ShuklaWrites.Substack.com

●

Spot the Differences

Spot the 15 diﬀerences between original photo on top & modiﬁed photo below. (Solution on page 104)

The Fisherman Doesn’t Have a Smartphone

by Hiren Deliwala

A businessman meets a fisherman who has already finished working for the day because his catch is enough. The businessman is puzzled. Why not fish longer? Buy a bigger boat, build a business, create wealth? The fisherman listens and asks one question: “What would all that get me?” The businessman explains that after years of hard work he could retire and spend his days relaxing by the sea. The fisherman smiles. “But that’s what I’m doing now.”

Most people love this story. Every time I’ve heard it, the lesson seems obvious: why spend your life chasing success, money, and status when the goal is simply to be content? Why postpone happiness for some future date when you can enjoy life today? For years I agreed with that interpretation. Then I turned ﬁfty, and the story started bothering me.

Not because I wanted more money. At this stage, I have enough. More money would be nice, but it isn’t what occupies my mind. What bothers me is a diﬀerent question: am I becoming content, or am I becoming comfortable? Those two things can look identical from the outside.

After ﬁfty, many of us stop taking risks. We stop pursuing diﬃcult things. We stop putting ourselves in situations where we might fail, look foolish, or discover we are no longer as capable as we once imagined. We often justify it with the language of wisdom. “I don’t need that.” “I’ve already proven myself.” “I’m content.” Sometimes those statements are true. Sometimes they are not. Sometimes “I don’t need that” is really “I’m not sure I can still do that.” That’s a harder truth to face.

I’ve caught myself doing it. Not so much in my career; I’m actually less interested in climbing than I was ten years ago. But in other parts of life, I feel the pull constantly.

Part of me wants to slow down. Another part wants to learn guitar well enough to perform in front of people, write things that make people think, take on challenging hikes, keep discovering what I’m capable of.

Mindful Masala

Mindful Masala continued on page 110

Dances of India by Dr. Maha Gingrich

First, I want to say thanks to everyone for making this year’s Dances of India a huge success. We were sold out and I continue to receive positive comments about the show. Kids and adults loved the COW mask and the stories. That made me write about masks and their cultural signiﬁcance in the global cultures.

Masked dances are a vibrant part of cultural heritage, appearing in rituals, festivals, and celebrations across the globe. They often serve spiritual, social, or ceremonial purposes, transforming performers into characters that embody myths, ancestors, or deities. Masks have been a part of human history for tens of thousands of years, with the oldest masks discovered in the Middle East, speciﬁcally in what is now Israel, dating back to around 7000 BC. These early masks were often made from materials like animal hides, stone, and wood, and were primarily used in rituals and ceremonies.

Now a days when we use the word mask, we all think of our COVID time or ﬂu time masks. We all know how suﬀocated we feel sometimes wearing these masks to

Cultural Significance of Dance Masks

protect ourselves. Can you imagine the dancers from several dance styles wearing huge masks and dancing for hours? Sometimes these shows are outdoors exposing the dancers to all seasons, including harsh heat. As we all know, the show must go on!

Most of the Indian masks are made of paper mâché, which is a composite material consisting of pieces of paper or pulp and they are sometimes reinforced with cloth, bound with an adhesive, such as glue, or starch. It feels hard on the face as it does not have much ﬂexibility. Dancing in these masks is an art in itself. It is sometimes very hard to breathe, and it also blocks your vision depending on the type of mask you may have to wear with the size of your face.

There are many global dance styles where dancers use paint on their faces as a mask while wearing large head gear. These dance styles include, Indigenous American/Native American dances, African tribal dances, Indian tribal dances, and so on. Let us not forget the most elaborate facial paints used in classical dances such as Kathakali, Manipuri, Yakshagana, and Kuchipudi. An entire chapter in the Natya Shastra refers to the importance of facial makeup and

News Notes

BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Charlotte

Shilanyas Mahotsav

In a spirit of devotion and unity, the Shilanyas Mahotsav (the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony) for the new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Matthews, North Carolina was celebrated on May 31, 2026.

The ceremony featured traditional Vedic rituals, sacred shlokas, and prayers conducted in the presence of senior BAPS Swamis, consecrating the earth and marking the beginning of a new spiritual home for the greater Charlotte region.

His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj blessed the Charlotte community on two historic occasions: in 1996, when he personally inaugurated the current BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Matthews, and again in 2000, offering prayers for the peace and progress of the entire region. The community, which first took root here in the late 1970s, has since grown far beyond the capacity of its current space. Today, under the inspiring guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current spiritual leader of BAPS, that longcherished vision for a new, expanded Mandir has taken its first tangible form.

A Vision for Generations

The new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir will be a 72,000 square-foot, single-story facility featuring traditional shikars and ghumtis crafted in India. The campus will include:

• A main assembly hall seating approximately 1,000, with ﬂexible space connecting to the dining hall and gymnasium.

• 415 dedicated parking spaces and a gated, accessible campus.

• 16 classrooms for youth education, cultural learning, and community activities.

• Dedicated spaces for daily darshan, arti, meditation, and spiritual assemblies.

Site preparation began in July 2024, with vertical construction to follow. The Mandir is targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027, and will be open to all, welcoming people of every faith and background.

Distinguished Guests

The Shilanyas Mahotsav was honored by the presence of esteemed civic leaders from across the Charlotte-Matthews region: Mayor of Matthews John Higdon, Senator Woodson Bradley and William Bradley, Mayor Pro Tem of Matthews Susan Chambers, and Charlotte City Council Member At-Large Dimple Ajmera.

In their addresses, guests commended the BAPS community’s longstanding contributions to the

spiritual, cultural, and civic life of Matthews and Charlotte, noting that the new Mandir will stand as a symbol of peace, service, and unity for the entire region.

Decades of Seva: Serving the Greater Charlotte Community

Guided by Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s principle, “In the joy of others, lies our own,” BAPS volunteers in Matthews and Charlotte have served the broader community through: Annual Walk and Run event beneﬁtting local and national organizations, including Susan G. Komen and The Nature Conservancy. Regular blood drives, free health fairs, and wellness screenings staﬀed by volunteer medical professionals. Food bank partnerships and hunger relief drives serving neighbors of all faiths and backgrounds.

The Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony marks the ﬁrst step toward realizing a vision held in the hearts of the Matthews and Charlotte BAPS community for many years: a place of peace, devotion, and service that will stand as a beacon of spirituality and harmony for all.

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual Hindu organization rooted in the Vedas and dedicated to bettering individuals and society through practical spirituality, cultural preservation, and selﬂess service. With over 5,500 mandirs and centers across 45+ countries, including more than 120 across North America.

Festival of India 2026

The India Association of Charlotte presents its special “Folk Fest” — the 30th Annual Festival of India — on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Belk Theater and along Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte. Celebrate India’s rich culture and heritage through vibrant folk, classical, and Bollywood performances, delicious Indian cuisine, henna art, yoga experiences, interactive exhibits, fashion, and familyfriendly activities for all ages. A special highlight this year is the Charlotte Symphony’s appearance on the Belk Stage on Sunday, September 20, featuring a unique musical collaboration blending Indian and Western inﬂuences. Join for two fun-ﬁlled days celebrating culture, community, and connection in the heart of the Queen City. Info: Indiafestival.iacofcarolinas.

29th India-US Army to Army Staﬀ Talks held in Hawaii

The 29th Edition of the India-US Army to Army Staﬀ Talks (AAST) were held on June 6, 2026, in Hawaii, co-chaired by Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Deputy

Chief of the Army Staﬀ (Strategy) and Lieutenant General Joel Vowell and the Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Paciﬁc.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, enhancing interoperability, expanding professional exchanges and deepening military collaboration in support of shared security interests. Both sides appreciated the growing scope of Army-to-Army engagements and reaﬃrmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-US strategic partnership.

BAPS Walks

As America prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, BAPS Charities hosted the 2026 Spirit of Service Walk-Run, uniting more than 50,000 participants across over 100 cities in the United States and Canada in support of local nonproﬁt organizations in June 2026. The nationwide initiative helped launch the America250 celebrations by putting community service and civic pride into action. In Charlotte, NC nearly 568 participants gathered at Reedy Creek Park for a day dedicated to service, health, and community engagement — rallying in support of the CMS Foundation, which bridges the gap between public funding and the evolving needs of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students and teachers.

United States and India Sign Strategic Critical Minerals Cooperation Framework

On May 26, 2026, the United States and India signed a bilateral Critical Minerals Framework, marking a milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations to ensure that the foundational elements required for advanced technology and energy are available within trusted networks.

This agreement builds upon the foundational groundwork laid in February 2026 during high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., where Secretary of State

A Transfer, Not a Bubble

Eye on the Markets

by Ketu Desai

This is not a stock market bubble; it is a historic value transfer from the losers of AI to winners. The forward 12month P/E for the S&P 500 tech sector now sits at 23.6x, down from its peak above 30x last fall. . It is diﬃcult to argue for a bubble when the multiple for tech stocks is down for the year, back to where it was 6 years ago.

The tech multiple is lower, despite margins at a near 30% high. To put this in perspective, the forward multiple during the dot.com era was 60x, with many leading names north of 100x. Nvidia trades at 17x forward earnings, cheaper than Coca-Cola at 23x, which grows one-tenth as fast. The gains this year have not kept up with tech’s astounding 50.7% earnings growth. AI speciﬁc names are expected to grow 55% this year, compared to 22.1% for the broader S&P. The market is rewarding what is growing and expanding margins.

There are two transfers of value occurring.

The first is from the hyper-scalers that are spending money on CapEx to their beneficiaries. These hyper-scalers will spend $680bn on CapEx this year. AI semiconductors are expected to have $525bn in free cash flow. The combination of lower free cash flow, lower buybacks, and a shifting business model from capital light to capital intensive is driving this re-valuation. For instance, Microsoft’s multiple is down eight multiple turns this year, Meta is down six turns, and Amazon is down five.

The second transfer is from AI losers such as software companies, ﬁnancial data providers, private equity companies, consulting companies, travel-booking companies to AI winners such as semiconductors and infrastructure names. Over the last year the former group of

companies has been down anywhere from 20% to over 50%, while AI winners are up nearly 100%. Since the introduction of ChatGPT, software has gone from 14% of the S&P to under 9%, while semiconductors have gone from 7% to nearly 20%.

Other AI losers and hyper-scalers account for the additional donation to semiconductors. The correlation preChatGPT between software and semiconductors was nearly one to one but has now fallen to just 0.30. The market is revaluing AI losers as their terminal value is increasingly uncertain and transferring that value to winners.

One of the key beneﬁciaries of this value transfer is memory stocks. Micron earned more in the ﬁrst quarter of this year than in any single year prior to 2025 with nearly double the operating income of Walmart in the last quarter. Margins have expanded from 20% to 74% in the last two years. The multiple is 8.8x and the PEG has lost demand at well below 1.0x.

Memory has been historically commoditized, so the multiple deserves to be low for now. That said, we have a historic shortage, and it does take years to bring in new capacity. Plus, hyperscalers are signing 5-year agreements, compared to the industry standard of a year. Samsung said that “based solely on the demand currently received for 2027, the supply-to-demand gap for 2027 is set to widen even further than in 2026.” In a bubble market the terminal value should be expanding instead of barely keeping up with earnings growth and margin expansion. It is waiting for more conﬁdence that a highly cyclical industry is transitioning to a less cyclical one before expanding the multiple.

The numbers AI-related companies are reporting are unprecedented. At an event in May, Anthropic’s CEO said that they saw 80x growth in the ﬁrst quarter. Demand for

Treatment:

Procedures:

Start Early, Stand Out The Power of Summer Essay Writing

College Admissions Insider

by Kristen Moon

For rising seniors, summer isn’t just a break; it’s a strategic advantage. While many students push college essays to the fall, the strongest applicants use these quieter months to start early, think deeply, and write without pressure. Once senior year begins, academics, extracurriculars, and deadlines pile up quickly. Students who wait often rush their essays, while those who begin in summer submit more polished, thoughtful, and authentic applications.

College essays aren’t something you can produce in one sitting. The best ones require reflection, iteration, and time away from the page. Summer allows students to explore meaningful experiences, test different angles, and refine their voice. It’s also the ideal time to develop a cohesive narrative or what admissions officers often call a “story of self.” Whether that story highlights resilience, curiosity, leadership, or a passion for medicine, it takes time to uncover and communicate effectively.

Starting early also leads to stronger feedback and better results. With drafts completed in the summer, students can seek input from mentors, counselors, or advisors and still have time to make meaningful revisions.

Instead of surface-level edits under pressure, they can make substantive improvements in clarity, depth, and impact, a key diﬀerentiator in competitive admissions.

For students applying to BS/MD or BS/DO programs, this early start is even more critical. These programs often require multiple supplemental essays, program-speciﬁc prompts, and accelerated timelines, sometimes with deadlines earlier than traditional applications. Beyond strong writing, applicants must clearly articulate why medicine, why now, and why this pathway. It is a level of clarity and maturity that can’t be rushed. Summer provides the time to align clinical experiences, research, and personal motivations into a compelling, cohesive narrative that resonates with highly selective programs.

The bottom line: starting your college essays over the summer isn’t just helpful; it’s one of the highest-impact moves a rising senior can make. For BS/MD and BS/DO applicants especially, it can be the diﬀerence between a rushed application and one that is intentional, distinctive, and truly competitive.

Kristen Moon is the founder of Moon Prep, an education consultancy brand with a focus on U.S. Medical programs. Contact: kristen@moonprep.com.

Log Kya Kahenge continued from page 26

Think about that question. Refusal and acceptance only make sense when they work together as opposites. If a group has never refused anything, it can’t really say what it has accepted. Our situation has become so familiar that it feels like furniture that was already here when we arrived, so ordinary that no one remembers who put it there or that it can be moved.

Let’s name what we have accepted. We accepted being seen as the high-achieving professional class without asking whether that was what we wanted or just what was available. We accepted being almost invisible in places where America shapes its identity. South Asian women have only 0.3% of screen time in ﬁlm and TV, and we are rarely found in writers’ rooms or on school boards.

Strangest of all, we accepted the same system our grandparents fought against for two centuries. The British ruled India with ﬁles, exams, and ranks. In 1835, Thomas Macaulay laid out the plan in writing: train a class of Indians to be, in his own words, “Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect,” interpreters who would stand between the empire and the people it governed.

The 1965 Act passed in the United States picked exactly those people, the ones who passed exams and held credentials. We crossed the ocean and became experts at this system, with our right to be here kept in a ﬁling cabinet and renewed with every petition.

When a community never questions the empire’s paperwork, it inherits the bureaucracy: a seat near the top as payment for silence.

Think about how we see ourselves. Our heritage shows us what we don’t have to accept if we refuse to be boxed in as just the smart, hard-working, silent, or ascetic type. We come from mathematicians who gave the world zero and inﬁnity in the same breath, from philosophers who explored consciousness before the West even had a word for the soul, and from people who faced the British Empire with only moral clarity, nonviolence, and hunger, and still brought it down.

Even here in the United States, Punjabi Sikh laborers started the Ghadar Party in San Francisco in 1913, a group few people know about. They organized inside a climate that was only getting worse: white mobs had already driven Punjabi mill workers out of Bellingham, Washington, in 1907, and Congress would bar almost all Indian immigration within a few years under the 1917 Barred Zone Act. The party’s goal was to overthrow British rule in India by force.

Its members published a newspaper smuggled back to Punjab and built a network of supporters among Indian immigrants and soldiers worldwide. In 1920, they marched ten thousand strong with Irish immigrants to the Liberty Bell, taking the Declaration’s promise of inalienable rights more seriously than most people celebrating it this July. They weren’t performing for anyone. They knew who they were and demanded to be seen that way. That heritage doesn’t belong in a museum. It’s a living story if we choose to claim it.

Within our community, there’s a divide that our professional success makes easy to ignore. Indian Americans have the highest median household income of any ethnic group in the country, and people often use that as proof that the 1965 Immigration Act’s selection policies worked.

But there’s another side. We own about 60% of US hotels, most of which are cleaned by working-class Indians, and we lead 11 Fortune 500 companies with tens of thousands of H1B visa employees. At the same time, over 90% of New York City’s cab drivers are immigrants, most of them South Asian, working without basic labor protections. Many Bangladeshi New Yorkers, especially recent arrivals, face a poverty rate close to one-third. The median Bangladeshi household earns about $78,000 a year, compared to about $151,000 for the median Indian household. Same diaspora, half the income.

In this country, people see the Punjabi truck driver in Fresno and the software executive in Palo Alto as the same kind of success story. That kind of thinking makes us forget important diﬀerences. We came here in large numbers because Black Americans opened doors that were never meant for us, but we rarely acknowledge that. Now we’re repeating that forgetting within our own community. The dividing line was never about credentials; a motel owner with no degree counts as much as a surgeon. The real diﬀerence is between those with capital or a salary and those without, and the second group is excluded from what Indian American success means.

What my parents said in that family room and the 32% poverty rate are part of the same problem: a community that thinks its only responsibility is to itself. If people measure their value only by what they produce, they will eventually ﬁnd that the market changes, as it always does.

It’s tempting to look for one person to blame, a single villain standing in for the whole system. Idi Amin was the villain for Uganda’s Asian minority, who ran much of the country’s commerce, and announced on the radio in 1972 that the Asians had ninety days to leave the country. The United States usually works diﬀerently, taking smaller steps that never need a single name attached to them.

Between 1929 and 1936, in a campaign historians call Mexican Repatriation, as many as a million people of Mexican descent were removed from this country, most of them American citizens, and no president ever signed a single order making it happen.

County relief boards across the Southwest found it cheaper to buy train tickets than to pay a beneﬁt check, so they bought the tickets. No single date marks when it happened, because it happened a hundred diﬀerent ways at once, each one small enough to defend on its own terms. Not a door slamming shut. A thousand smaller ones, easing closed, none of them bearing a name.

We’re facing a quieter version of the same problem now, arriving the same way: in pieces. New H-1B petitions carry a $100,000 fee, which is still being challenged in court. The lottery itself changed, too. It used to be a ﬂat, random draw; now it’s weighted by salary, so a senior engineer’s odds of getting picked went up by more than 100% this year, while an entry-level engineer’s odds were cut almost in half.

Log Kya Kahenge continued on page 88

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Leading annual medical missions to remote areas of Kenya and India.

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Children’s Sunday School & Adult Bible Study: Sundays at Noon

Sunday Love Meal: 11 AM

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Dr. Patel and Dr. Juneja are

by Lavanya Kethamukkala IG: @lavanya_rdn

Red Chori (Adzuki Bean) Sambar

A hearty South Indian lentil and vegetable soup made with adzuki beans, vegetables, coconut, tamarind, and a ﬂavorful fenugreek-chili spice blend. Can be paired with idlis, dosas, uthappam or as accompanying soup with pretty much anything. It is rich in plant protein, excellent source of ﬁber and a delicious way to add more beans and vegetables to your meals.

Ingredients Directions

For the Fenugreek-Chili Spice Mix:

1½ tbsp fenugreek seeds

15 dried red chilies

For the Sambar:

2 cups cooked adzuki beans (red chori), slightly mashed

3 cups mixed vegetables, chopped (Yellow pumpkin, Onion, Sweet potato, or vegetables of your choice)

½ cup tamarind pulp

2 tbsp sambar powder

½ cup fresh grated coconut

2 tbsp oil

1–2 dried red chilies / 1 tsp mustard seeds

Pinch of hing (asafoetida)

8–10 curry leaves (optional)

¼ tsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp fenugreek-chili spice mix

Salt to taste

Small piece of jaggery (optional)

4–6 cups water (adjust to desired consistency)

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Servings: About 6 - 8

Prep Time: One Hour / Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Step 1: Prepare the spice mix. Dry roast the fenugreek seeds in a pan over medium heat until dark golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the dried red chilies and roast for 1–2 minutes. Cool completely and grind both ingredients into a coarse powder. Store extra spice mix in an airtight container for future soups and curries.

Step 2: Cook the vegetables. Heat oil in a large pot. Add dried red chilies, mustard seeds, hing, and curry leaves. Once the mustard seeds begin to splutter, add turmeric and chopped vegetables. Stir in 1 tbsp of the fenugreek-chili spice mix. Add a little water and cook until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Add tamarind and beans. Add salt and tamarind pulp. Adjust water as needed and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the cooked adzuki beans and simmer for 5–10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the coconut mixture. Blend grated coconut, sambar powder, and a little water into a smooth paste. Stir the paste into the simmering sambar. Add jaggery, if using. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the ﬂavors to meld.

Step 5: Finish and serve. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with brown rice, millet, quinoa, idli, dosa, or enjoy as a hearty soup.

Dietitian Tip: Soak adzuki beans overnight, drain, and freeze them in portions. This saves time and makes homemade bean dishes much easier to prepare.

Thinking continued from page 40

The diﬃculty of making predictions doesn’t stop people from trying to make predictions that can help them plan for and control the future, though, even resorting to strange methods and superstitions to do so. Why?

Wanting … can be very wanting

There are self-centric reasons that drive the desire to know something about certain things that are in the dim blur that is the future. Without this desire to know in order to control, we wouldn’t have astrologers, gypsies, virologists, maybe even doctors.

But there are unforeseen adverse eﬀects of wanting too much. Especially, the wanting of things that will not yield to the intensity of the want.

Here is a real risk in locking in clearer views of what will happen tomorrow rather than be more accepting of inherent uncertainties that cannot be resolved, however hard one tries. The risk is that a mind that goes to strange places that may never exist is a mind that can be very hard to bring back to solid ground.

Which land is your land?

We live in our minds as well as on the land beneath our feet: one foot in the ground and one in Alice’s Wonderland. In Wonderland, anything can be anything, especially if you can be one of the crazies there who can let your mind go crazy like the characters of Lewis Carroll’s brilliant parody land.

The trouble with having one foot here and another one there is that the real you in the real world will get squished and tortured by the part of you that seeks to do voodoo from Wonderland to control what it thinks is the real world. Poor Alice! Can she do something diﬀerent?

Let it be!

If only … if only it were possible not to want to know things so much! If only we were to refrain from “seeing” things that cannot be fathomed and predicted, like the most critical and life-changing things of tomorrow, then maybe we would do less voodooing and do more doing in the present.

That would let us deal with the present and with only the very likely parts of tomorrow such as that you will probably rise again in the morning, and that the sun will rise again with you.

Let tomorrow be! There will be time enough to cry then if you really need to. Or you may never need to, at all – it is possible too that you may be smiling instead. Then what a self-inﬂicted tragedy it would be to shed tears today for something that will never be as bad as you think it will be!

Balaji Prasad is an IIT/IIM graduate, a published author, SAT/ACT Online and in-person Coach, and K-12 Math Tutor at NewCranium. balaji.prasad@newcranium.com.

With AI-generated phishing and AI-generated malware, the number is only expected to increase. Gone are the days of the Nigerian prince reaching out via emails with spelling errors. Now, sophisticated AI malware which has access to your information available on the dark web, will be able to generate phishing attacks on your system and cause damage without you even realizing it.

Cyber insurance typically covers damage resulting from data breaches, ransomware attacks and phishing attacks. It also covers resulting expenses like data recovery eﬀorts and lawsuits. As you can imagine, the costs can be substantial and are not covered by your regular business liability coverage, like errors and omissions or general liability. One of the biggest costs of cyber attack is the business disruption expense.

As we transition to cloud and most of our data is now stored online, the risk of getting attacked has increased.

Coverage is divided into two major parts: 1) First party losses – direct costs incurred by your business due to a cyber-attack event and 2) Third party losses – cost associated with claims from others impacted by a cyber attack at your company.

First party losses: Major coverages include:

• Data restoration: Restoring or retrieving lost data

• System restoration: Repairing impacting software/hardware systems

• Ransomware payments: Money paid to release your data

• Notiﬁcation costs: State mandated communication that must go out to each customer impacted

• Business interruption: Covering the impact on closed/reduced business

Third party expenses:

• Lawsuits: pays for defense costs for lawsuits brought against your company for negligence

• Fines and penalties: pays for damages incurred by third parties

Cyber insurance is rapidly involving. Insurance companies are still trying to understand and learn about the impact of cyber-attacks. Note that unlike other regular oﬀerings like auto or home insurance, cyber coverage may diﬀer widely between providers.

Each insurer has its own policy and language. So make sure that you understand the coverages and limitations. Reach out to your agent if you have concerns or want to know more about this coverage.

Anuj Kasera

is a long term resident of Charlotte, NC and owns an insurance agency, focusing mostly on home, auto and business insurance. He can be reached at anujkasera@gmail.com.

Kismuth continued from page 28

of people and ask, ‘What do you make of this?’ A few years ago, it was, ‘Should I move home?’ I called people who knew me from high school days and even before. I asked ‘How is it there? Like, really?’ Knowing me and what I value, they could advise me with some real truth. This data, this was gold.

But learning from people I’ve met in a more recent past matter, too. Even when we’re from different hemispheres or generations, I will listen. I have been able to unlearn my own programming. I relax when I feel alignment. What I value also matters to them. Choosing our own paths, for example, going against the grain. We can be cool with ourselves. We can go, ‘Yeah, that’s right. I cared about this, not that, and that’s why I’m here, not there.’ You don’t have to have a lot to be a lot, I used to say. I still say it. Stuff is just... well, stuff. It’s not you. It doesn’t define you. You get to do that.

When I got a reply saying for sure that the person was a real human being, I was relieved but also a little surprised by what came next. As a reporter, one thing I’d ask people to do if they referred me to a bland website is say, ‘Can you talk about that in your own words?’ Ideally on a call. But the person said, ‘Go to the website.’ This experience felt very much like AI, but without the sugary politeness, and AI-ish pat on the back for me having superlative queries. I did the equivalent of the 90s version of hanging up a landline phone. I pressed delete. It was too lovely rainy afternoon in Phnom Penh to bother with ﬁguring out what to say next. Clearly some people you can talk to, and some people you cannot. That’s okay. I’m going to accept it now instead of wanting things to be any other way than what they really are.

Even that is a strange concoction of bias and inaccuracies, too. I’m telling you, I’m reading and writing about the philosophy of identity. Metaphysics and how we perceive are so, so subjective. Rather than get bent out of shape, I just watched the rain for a while.

Rainy season has just started here in Phnom Penh. The rain is so nice. Paying attention to it, hearing the sound of it, these things always make me feel much better.

Dipika Kohli

is an author who is based in Phnom Penh. Discover her books at kismuth.com and her projects at dipikakohli.com.

Hello Saathees

If you have a passion for writing, cooking or baking, we are looking for fresh voices. Send a query to our Editor Samir Shukla at Samir@Saathee.com with article or recipe ideas. We will consider them for possible publication in Saathee.

Vikas Patel, MD

Elizabeth Ju, MD

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Find the latest Job Openings, Matrimonials, Business Opportunities, Services and more Classiﬁeds at the link below or the QR code on the left. Saathee.com/classiﬁed

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Editor’s Desk: Read Saathee Editor Samir Shukla’s essays collected here.

Go to our Movies Page and Find all the latest releases coming up as well as films opening. Saathee.com/movies

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519 Keisler Drive, Suite 104 Cary, NC 27518

• Physical Examinations

• Women’s wellness visit, pap smear

• School/ Sports Physicals

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Nutrition for Life

continued from page 30

Cucumber Sandwiches: Sandwiches made with cucumbers and green chutney are great as cucumbers have more water content. Use sprouted grain bread and avoid white bread made with maida.

Rice Paper Wraps: Also known as Vietnamese Spring Rolls, these are a great make ahead food for a picnic. The thin translucent rice paper is folded and ﬁlled with a variety of fresh vegetables such as grated green/red cabbage, thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, baby spinach, sprouts, and ﬁnely diced tofu. They are usually served with a peanut sauce. These rolls are normally served cold and are a great way to eat more veggies and get your protein.

Nachos: Make a cold platter of nachos by layering baked tortilla chips, black beans and pinto beans, pico de gallo, bell peppers, olives, lettuce, and small amount of cheese if desired. This is another great way to add vegetables and protein to your picnic meal.

Traditional recipes that are okay to pack for a picnic include curd rice, sabudana khichdi, poha, and thepla.

Tips for safety & foods to avoid:

Keep your hands clean: Make sure to wash hands before touching any food. Keep a hand sanitizer if needed.

Ice: Ice can become contaminated when people handle it with unwashed hands, use an ice scoop or tongs, or else food leaks into it from any bags stored on top. Ice for cooling and ice for consumption should remain separate.

Cut up fruit such as cantaloupe and watermelon can also spoil if kept out on a very hot day. Make sure to store cut fruit properly in a cooler.

Potatoes: Potatoes can spoil very quickly in hot weather. Avoid packing anything made with potatoes, especially foods like samosa, aloo paratha, batata vada, etc.

Fried foods: Deep fried foods require excess energy to digest and can worsen dehydration. Avoid foods like samosas, pakoras and other heavy greasy foods.

As I have written before, we need to eat according to what is right for the season. Ayurveda deﬁnes it as “Ritucharya”, which is a guide for creating a balanced routine according to the seasons. Just as each person has their own nature or dosha, similarly, each season is also associated with its own energy or dosha. During the summer months, the Pitta dosha is prominent. Pitta is hot and sharp, so we need to balance those qualities with foods that are cool and light.

So, if you want to enjoy those lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer, be sure to follow the guidelines.

Parul Kharod

is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist and works as a Clinical Dietitian. She can be reached at parulkharod@gmail.com.

Editor’s Desk continued from page 14

conversed and danced with the sun about 36,500 times, if you count the days in a century. Add another, give or take, 25 days of leap years during that century. A lifespan of 36,500 suns. It survived and thrived initially under the shadow of larger surrounding trees, persevered through droughts, downpours, blazing summers and freezing winters, until it grew to be a majestic Oak. Now it lies there at the mercy of natural forces and the impending chainsaw. The sun rose and set on the tree some 36,500 times.

Another sun-loving sapling birthed in India some 23,000 suns ago one hot day in July. A human sapling, if you will. Now once again July, this lovely mid-year month, is about to arrive. Sometime during this my birth month, this year, the sun will have risen and set 23,000 times on my existence on this planet. You can do the math to ﬁgure out the age. This means my life has gone through 23,000 sunrises and sunsets, give or take the extra day in a few leap years. This seems like a large number, but it’s not even a blip in the timeline of the greater cosmos.

These have been lovely 23,000 suns (and moons), full of adventures, sometimes boredom, lots of amazements, timely and untimely realizations, slapped awakenings, restful and restless sleeps, all roiled and formed by life’s ups and downs, the ever-present changes. Quite a bit of these were dictated by that spinning ﬁreball in the sky. Life happened all the while dipping into, and adding to, the vastness of human knowledge and ingenuity. Making things. Building things. Raising a family. Telling stories. The days stroll on, one sun at a time.

On this scorching summer day, I’m sitting on my back porch looking at the old Oak tree lying across the land. I think of all the planet changing human maneuverings conducted during that tree’s lifetime. All the trees cut down for our purposes or pleasures since the ﬁrst human ﬂung some type of cutting tool onto a living tree.

I’m thinking that with some luck and healthful eﬀorts, maybe I’ll match the longevity of that old Oak tree. Get close to or maybe even pass a century mark on my time in the cosmos. Keep adding one daily sun to reach 36,500 suns. Who knows? In the meantime, it is the meaningful daily interactions with the sun and life that matter. This fragility of life, this uncommonness of being alive, is nourished and warmed by sunshine.

This month, this year, for now, I’ll dance with the summer sun and thank it for its 23,000 daily mentoring visits with me. Sometimes it hides behind dark clouds, sometimes, like today, it blazes upon its realm.

Today is ﬂowing along as a soft drizzle arrives with a light breeze and then moves on. A summer afternoon. The count ticks away in the background while I await a hard rain and a strong wind one day to knock me over and join that Oak’s spirit somewhere in the cosmos.

Samir Shukla

is the Editor of Saathee Magazine Contact: Samir@Saathee.com

X: @ShuklaWrites Newsletter: ShuklaWrites.Substack.com

Diabetes continued from page 46

In many South Asian households, diabetes is not distant or theoretical. It is embedded in everyday life. It appears in conversations about blood sugar readings at kitchen tables, medication routines, and discussions about food during gatherings. Most people can identify someone in their family or community living with the condition.

Yet familiarity does not always lead to prevention. In many situations, diabetes is understood only after diagnosis, when the focus has already shifted from prevention to management.

Through UDAYA, I began to examine this gap more closely. The work moved beyond simply sharing information. It became an eﬀort to understand how people come to understand health in the ﬁrst place and why certain messages fail to take root.

Over time, a pattern became visible. Information alone is not suﬃcient. Its value depends on whether it connects to context.

Medical explanations often remain disconnected from daily life. Many individuals can repeat basic facts about diabetes but struggle to connect them to food, routines, and environment.

Health information exists in one space while lived experience exists in another.

In outreach sessions led by UDAYA, this distance began to narrow when conversations shifted toward familiarity. Instead of focusing only on glucose levels, discussions included everyday meals. Instead of abstract recommendations, conversations explored small changes that ﬁt cultural and family contexts.

As engagement deepened, participation changed. Questions became more speciﬁc. Students asked how traditional foods could be adapted rather than replaced. Prevention began to feel more accessible. This shift highlighted an important insight. Education is not only about delivering information. It is about making that information usable.

As UDAYA expanded, I also engaged with healthcare professionals from diﬀerent backgrounds, including allopathic and Ayurvedic practitioners. While their approaches diﬀered, their concerns often aligned. Many spoke about late diagnosis, limited preventive awareness, and the need for stronger education before disease progression begins.

Across these conversations, a shared understanding emerged. Awareness is not separate from healthcare. It is part of its foundation. This reinforced a key observation from UDAYA’s ﬁeldwork. The challenge surrounding diabetes is not only a lack of knowledge. It is also timing, accessibility, and translation. Information must reach people early enough and in a way they can use.

For South Asian populations, this issue carries urgency. Research shows higher risk of Type 2 diabetes in these communities, often at younger ages and lower body weights than others.

Genetics, dietary patterns, lifestyle changes, and limited preventive education all contribute. Addressing this requires more than clinical solutions. It requires communication that respects culture, education that adapts

to context, and trust built over time. Most importantly, it requires meeting communities where they are. This perspective continues to guide my work through UDAYA. Whether developing materials, working with clinicians, or speaking with families, my goal remains consistent. Health information should be understandable within the spaces where daily life happens.

Over time, the work has led to a quiet realization. Prevention rarely begins in hospitals. It begins earlier, in questions people feel safe enough to ask and in environments where learning feels possible.

Diabetes remains one of the most pressing health challenges facing South Asian communities. At the same time, it is one where awareness can create immediate impact when delivered eﬀectively.

Every conversation becomes part of that shift. Every question reﬂects a step toward understanding. And sometimes, that understanding begins quietly in a classroom where students are not only listening but beginning to interpret the world they already live in through a new lens.

Hansika Munugala

is a high school student at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, NC. Her academic focus is on medicine, public health, and biomedical research. Contact: hans.munu@gmail.com.

Log Kya Kahenge continued from page 72

No single agency decided to push us out. A fee here, a formula there, a few months of paperwork in limbo: the same system, dressed up for a diﬀerent decade.

A conditional welcome was never really about being Indian. It’s about staying useful at a price that ﬁts a neat formula. Mexican labor was welcome until it became a line on a relief budget.

Indian labor is welcome as long as its wages stay above a certain level. Both exclusions happen in pieces so small that no one is held responsible for the whole, which is what log kya kahenge has always tried to guard against. Silence is not a contract. No one agreed to it. It’s just a habit we mistake for safety, and habits can be broken.

Sixty years ago, our parents came here with two things: memories of their civilization and professional credentials. America only cared about the credentials. Those degrees got us into hospitals and good school districts. The other part, the heritage of people who once refused an empire, was left at the door, like shoes outside a mandir. No one threw it away.

We just never went back for it. So the next ﬁfty years for Indian Americans depend on a choice we haven’t made yet: go back and claim it, or admit that just getting through the door was all we ever wanted?

Dhruv Pathak

is a salesman and writer based in St. Louis, originally from Charlotte, NC. He writes to better understand people and contribute to our shared humanity.

Contact: pathak.d@icloud.com.

directly into a Roth IRA owned by the child. This allows parents to effortlessly pivot a student’s unused college fund into a tax-free, compounding retirement foundation, giving them a massive financial head start in their twenties. Because parents maintain total control over the account, they can change the designated beneficiary at any time to a sibling, a cousin, or even back to themselves to fund their own continuing education or career pivot.

It Lowers the Financial Stakes and Minimizes Debt

With the federal government clamping hard caps on student and parent borrowing, relying on loans to fund a degree has become incredibly restrictive and risky. On the contrary, every dollar saved and grown tax-free inside a 529 plan is a dollar your child does not have to borrow. By utilizing a 529, families can comfortably avoid hitting the strict new federal lending ceilings and protect graduates from entering the rigid, 30-year repayment timelines of modern income-driven safety nets.

Because the annual cap for primary and secondary education expenses has expanded to $20,000, parents can use the fund dynamically to pay for specialized tutoring, digital learning software, or private schooling early on, thus ensuring the student is built for the AI-driven workforce long before they ever set foot on a post-secondary campus.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) fundamentally shifts the 529 plan from a strict “college savings vehicle” into a highly ﬂexible, life-stage education and career portfolio.

* The annual federal withdrawal limit for K–12 expenses has doubled from $10,000 to $20,000 per beneﬁciary.

* Families are no longer restricted to just paying private school tuition vouchers. 529 funds can now be used for a vast suite of supplemental educational costs, such as standardized testing fees, and curriculum materials.

Recognizing the massive cultural shift toward skill-based hiring, the OBBBA explicitly extends tax-free 529 distribution status to non-degree workforce programs and professional milestones. An incredible perk for adult learners or post-graduates, 529 funds can now be used to pay for the preparation materials, coursework, and mandatory testing fees required to obtain or maintain professional licenses.

Keep this in mind, while these expansions are fully enacted at the federal level, 529 plans are administered by individual states.

In summary, education is no longer a “one-and-done” destination; it is a continuous, lifelong process of adapting and upskilling. By keeping your capital shielded from taxes while granting you the ﬂexibility to fund traditional degrees, trade credentials, or retirement, the 529 plan remains the single most powerful tool to underwrite your student’s future autonomy.

Rupa Pereira

is a CFP, EA, CSLP and an Advice-Only Planner and Tax Professional based in North Carolina. She specializes in cross-border matters and all things financial planning. Contact: info@fwjplanning.com

Growing Old continued from page 24

Navigating the City Without a Car

Old continued on page 92 Financially Speaking

Another practical discovery during those three months was how easily one could move around the city without owning a vehicle.

In Bangalore, hiring a cab is remarkably convenient. Within minutes, one can request a ride through mobile apps and choose from several levels of comfort. The system appeared to function quite eﬃciently. Whenever I needed to travel, I would ask my brother to track my location through the app. That small step gave me an added sense of reassurance.

Even so, I must admit that I was not entirely comfortable with the idea of taking cabs late at night. That hesitation still lingers in my mind. At the same time, I realized that if we were to spend longer periods in India, we would most likely arrange for our own vehicle and driver. That would simplify daily movement and oﬀer an additional sense of security

What mattered most during those months was that I gradually began to ﬁnd solutions that felt reasonable and manageable. Each small adjustment quietly strengthened my conﬁdence that life there could indeed be navigated in a practical way.

The Unexpected Warmth of Daily Life

Another realization that brought unexpected comfort was the natural ﬂow of human interaction that surrounds daily life in India. In the United States, we often rely heavily on friendships and social circles to prevent loneliness. In India, however, even ordinary routines bring people into your life. Domestic helpers assist with household tasks. Barbers and tailors sometimes visit homes to provide their services. Various small services appear at the doorstep as part of everyday life. During our stay, we had a few domestic helpers who came regularly. I found myself enjoying conversations with them far more than I had anticipated. They often shared stories about their families and their lives, and I genuinely enjoyed listening. These conversations oﬀered a glimpse into their world and created a simple yet meaningful sense of connection.

My husband and I both appreciated the warmth that surrounded us during these interactions.

Balancing Trust and Caution

Of course, I would occasionally wonder about safety and security when so many people were coming in and out of the house. As we grow older, these concerns naturally become more signiﬁcant. Questions of trust and personal safety cannot simply be dismissed.

Yet once again, I reminded myself not to allow worry to dominate my thinking. Every place comes with its own balance between trust and caution, and part of adapting to life anywhere is learning how to navigate that balance wisely.

Whether these realities are ultimately good or challenging is something I continue to reﬂect upon. Security is certainly a factor that deserves thoughtful consideration as we age. It is important to think carefully about whom we trust and how we create a safe environment for ourselves.

Yet those three months taught me something valuable: when uncertainties arise, solutions often begin to appear when we approach life with openness rather than fear. Slowly, through these everyday experiences, the process of planning our future life in India began to take clearer shape. Perhaps choosing where to grow old is not about ﬁnding perfect certainty, but about slowly discovering where life feels possible, meaningful, and quietly comfortable.

Familiar Hearts Find You: Part 8

The Quiet Strength of Old Friendships

During our three-month stay in India, there was one aspect of life that I had not fully anticipated, yet it became one of the most comforting parts of our experience. Beyond immediate family, a few of my friends from my formative years, people I have known since my teenage days, reappeared in our lives in the most natural and eﬀortless way. It felt as though time had quietly folded in on itself.

When we were young, we had very little to our names. No careers, no responsibilities, no titles or identities that deﬁned us. And yet, we had each other. Those friendships were built in a space of simplicity—free from expectations, untouched by comparison, and unburdened by the roles that life would later assign to us.

Meeting them again after so many years, especially during the time when we were navigating the aftermath of my husband’s stroke, brought a kind of comfort that is diﬃcult to put into words. They came to see us one by one. Not out of obligation, not out of formality, but out of something far more genuine.

They brought with them laughter, lightness, and a quiet reassurance that we were not alone. They spoke not only to my husband, but also to me, with an understanding that went beyond words. They seemed to sense what I was carrying, even when I had not fully expressed it.

There is a certain kind of solace that only such friendships can oﬀer. It is one that reaches an aching and tired heart in ways nothing else quite can. And yet, alongside that comfort, there was also a quieter truth unfolding within me. People came and went through those months, bringing moments of comfort and light. But when the day settles into silence, it is only you who must face yourself. Your fears, your thoughts, your quiet uncertainties. No one fully knows the weight you carry, nor the realities you hold within. No one can walk the path that is yours alone.

Friendships Across Diﬀerent Phases of Life

Over the years, I have also been fortunate to form meaningful friendships in the United States. These friendships are kind, supportive, and enriching in their own

way. But friendships formed in adulthood often come with context. We meet through our professions, neighborhoods, our children, or shared stages of life. These connections are real and valuable, but they are shaped by the lives we have already built. There is, at times, an unspoken structure to them, an awareness of time, commitments, and expectations. In contrast, friendships from our younger years carry a diﬀerent kind of ease. They belong to a time when we were simply ourselves and before life layered us with responsibilities and identities. Perhaps that is why they feel so eﬀortless, even after long gaps.

The Nature of Presence

Another diﬀerence I quietly observed was in how presence itself is expressed. In the United States, visits are often planned. They are thoughtful, intentional, and respectful of each other’s time. They happen around schedules, arrangements, and occasions. There is a certain order and structure to it.

In India, at least as I experienced it during those months, presence felt more spontaneous. Friends would come by without elaborate planning. Their arrival was simple, unannounced at times, and yet deeply welcome.

There was something profoundly comforting in that kind of presence, the feeling that someone could simply walk into your life when you needed it most, without the need for formal invitation. As we grow older, this kind of presence begins to matter more than we realize.

We look not only for companionship, but for a sense of being held—quietly, naturally, without eﬀort. Even with our own children, life often becomes a matter of availability and necessity. Everyone is navigating their own responsibilities, their own timelines. This is understandable. Yet, somewhere within us, there remains a longing for relationships that arrive not because they are scheduled, but because they are felt.

A Changing World, A Lasting Need

I do recognize that even in India, these patterns are beginning to change. Life is becoming more structured, more time-bound, much like it is elsewhere in the world. And perhaps that is inevitable.

Yet, what those three months reminded me of this. As we think about where we want to grow old, it is not only infrastructure, healthcare, or convenience that shapes our decision. It is also the quiet presence of people.

The ones who knew us before we became who we are today. The ones who can sit beside us without expectation. The ones who bring not solutions, but simply themselves. Perhaps, in the end, growing old gracefully is not just about where we live but about who walks in, without being asked, and reminds us that we are never truly alone.

Editor’s Note: Read her previous articles on Saathee.com. Search for Malini’s name.

Malini Amaladoss

is a software engineer and published author who writes about family, independence, and life transitions. Her work can be found at MaliniAmaladoss.com.

costumes and its symbolism in representing characters from epics.

In particular, the two dance styles Yakshagana and Kathakali look very similar due to their costumes, masks, and makeup. They both draw their themes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Both emphasize rousing the sentiments of Raudra (anger) and Veera (valor); their ornaments, musical instruments and even the methods of presentation are similar. Both are performed on signiﬁcant occasions and festivals and both beat Chande, a high-pitched percussion instrument to invite the neighboring villagers/audience to the performance. Their masks are the most unique and outstandingly elaborate in their presentation.

When I was little, I saw Mahabharat being staged by some great Kathakali dancers. First, I was a little scared by the facial makeup and the elaborate costumes and dance movements. I do not remember how that fear transformed into fascination. The movements were very powerful and hypnotic. Unlike other dance forms, the makeup used in Kathakali is a highly developed art, involving great skill in the application of paints. I saw the dancers lay down on the floor to get their makeup done, as it takes quite a few hours to complete the face painting. Meticulous care is taken to see that each mask is perfectly applied on the face, with each color in its right place, to enhance the dramatic effect of the dance performance. This aids in doing the exaggerated and wonderful facial expressions. Each facemask represents a different type of character.

The ancient Greeks also utilized masks in their theatrical performances, where actors wore exaggerated facial features to portray diﬀerent characters, allowing the audience to easily identify emotions and roles. In Africa, masks hold a deep and varied signiﬁcance depending on the region and the tribe. Among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, for example, masks are integral to community gatherings and rituals, often symbolizing ancestral spirits or nature deities. The craftsmanship of African masks is renowned for its intricate designs and vibrant colors, showcasing the artistic talents and spiritual beliefs of the community.

During this year’s 22nd anniversary of Dances of India, we performed the popular dance drama, Kalinga Nartana. This drama was ﬁlled with characters like Kaliya snake, Cow, Lord Krishna, Gopikas, etc. When you add props and masks, these thousands of years old epics come to life giving today’s audiences and generations a glimpse of those times and morals that go with these beautiful stories.

These global historical journeys illustrate that masks are not merely objects, they are bridges to the past, connecting us to rituals, beliefs, epics, stories, and identities that have shaped humanity. I hope the traditions of dancing with masks and the magical transformations of characters will remain for years to come.

Dr. Maha Gingrich

For questions or comments, contact via email at GingrichMaha@gmail.com.

Marco Rubio launched the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE).

Through this framework, the United States and India will engage in international eﬀorts to protect sensitive supply chains from coercive market practices and reduce our collective vulnerability to singlesource monopolies.

The U.S. Government is mobilizing resources to secure critical mineral supply chains, supporting projects with more than $30 billion in letters of interest, investments, loans, and other support in partnership with the private sector. These coordinated eﬀorts span domestic and international projects, strengthening U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

This Framework sets a path toward reliable and resilient mineral supply chains, reinforcing key objectives set established by President Trump and Prime Minster Modi in the United States-India Joint Leaders’ Statement.

PM Modi meets US President on sidelines of G7 Summit in Evian, France

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with the President of the United States, Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit on June 17, 2026 at Evian, France.

Modi emphasized that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is very important for global economy and stressed on ensuring freedom of navigation. Modi added that for maritime trade, thousands of Indian seafarers are providing their services in diﬀerent regions of the world.

Carrom continued from page 22

I met fellow enthusiasts, rediscovered my passion for the game, and learned about a competitive carrom scene in North America that I never knew existed.

That single conversation reignited a lifelong love.

Discovering Competitive Carrom

The competitive side of the sport is led by the United States Carrom Association (USCA), which has been promoting carrom across North America since 1990. Its tournaments attract players from across the United States and Canada, creating an environment that is both welcoming and ﬁercely competitive.

This year, I entered ranked tournaments for the ﬁrst time. Players compete in multiple round-robin matches, with rankings updated throughout the event. Strong performances can quickly elevate you into matches against some of the best players in the country.

My journey began at the NEUSCA Winter Tournament in New Jersey and continued at the US Nationals in Ohio. Competing in the Enthusiasts category, I reached the prequarterﬁnals and achieved a national ranking of 84 after only two tournaments.

More importantly, I gained something rankings cannot measure: the opportunity to learn from outstanding players, study new strategies, and experience the intensity of highlevel competition.

One of the things I love most about the format is that every match matters. A strong performance can open doors quickly, and before you know it, you ﬁnd yourself competing against players you once admired from afar.

The Rise of Team Carrom

Carrom’s growth in North America extends beyond traditional tournaments.

Inspired by franchise-based leagues in other sports, the North American Premier Carrom League (NAPCL) has introduced an exciting team format that brings together players of varying skill levels. Teams are intentionally balanced, allowing professionals and newcomers to compete side by side.

Earlier this year, I participated in the NAPCL Titan Championship in Cleveland, Ohio. While our team ﬁnished near the bottom of the standings, the experience was unforgettable. I won ﬁve of my nine matches and, more importantly, gained valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and competitive play.

Sometimes the most meaningful victories aren’t reﬂected on the leaderboard.

Growing the Game in North Carolina

One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been helping build the local carrom community.

The Friendship Carrom tournaments at the HSNC temple in the Raleigh-Durham area have long been a favorite gathering place for enthusiasts. I was fortunate to win the singles gold medal there in 2021.

Inspired by my experiences with USCA tournaments, I partnered with local organizers in 2026 to help run two

community events. The response exceeded expectations and conﬁrmed what I already believed: there is tremendous enthusiasm for the game.

My next goal is ambitious but achievable—to establish North Carolina as an oﬃcial USCA chapter and eventually host a major tournament that attracts players from across North America.

Meeting My Heroes

This year also brought experiences I never imagined possible.

Within a span of just a few months, I met both Ajay Arora, the top-ranked player in the United States, and Prashant More, the world’s number one player.

At the US Nationals, I met Ajay along with his father and son, creating a memorable three-generation picture of dedication to the sport.

Later, during a visit to Mumbai, I met Prashant More while purchasing some of his custom strikers. He invited me to visit his club, where he trains for hours every day. Before I left, he gifted me a personalized striker, a gesture I will always treasure.

For a lifelong carrom enthusiast, it felt like meeting sporting royalty.

Your Turn to Strike

Carrom is far more than a tabletop game. It teaches patience, precision, strategy, resilience, and focus. It creates friendships, bridges generations, and reminds us that learning never stops.

My journey began on a small board in a Mumbai living room and has taken me to national tournaments, team leagues, and encounters with some of the best players in the world.

If this story sparks even a little curiosity, I encourage you to pick up a striker and give the game a try. You may discover, as I did, that every strike tells a story.

And perhaps your story is just getting started.

Websites and Resources

United States Carrom Association (USCA) (Uscarrom.org) US Open 2026 Carrom Championship (Tournaments.uscarrom.org) US Carrom Rankings (Rankings.uscarrom.org)

Shop for Championship Carrom Boards (Shop.uscarrom.org)

North American Premier Carrom League (Napclpro.org)

RDU Friendship Carrom Leagues (Friendshipleagues.com/carrom)

Shashin Surkund

is a Mindset and Culture Change leader. As a corporate leader dedicated to cultivating workplace joy and purpose, he champions a professional philosophy rooted in gratitude, positive mindset, and strategic clarity. Whether inspiring teams to elevate their inner dialogue or bringing the sharp focus of a competitive carrom player to driving collaborative success, his mission is to align performance with passion. Contact: Shashin.surkund@gmail.com.

I remember standing at my parents’ cocktail party as a 17-year-old, and the American diplomat assigned to Asia asking an ambassador, “So, where is this country of yours, Sri Lanka?” Even then I wondered, this guy inappropriately dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, shorts and flip flops didn’t even bother looking at a map on the 20-hour flight over. But call it confidence, callousness, arrogance or ignorance, these were bigger than life, jolly characters and everybody smiled and knew what they were talking about when they mentioned chili dog cookouts on the 4th of July.

For decades, puzzled people would tolerate back slaps, and a shocking disregard for local traditions from loud people, but we all knew America to be a colorful mix of excitable folks. America’s dominance in the P.R. battle that was the Cold War was an asset. You knew the culture, even on remote islands; you wanted to be there because they liked to party, because things were colorful and bright, because business was good and you had hope. Even the most uptight places on earth took their dollars and smiled, because, well, America was America.

There’s no point discussing the history in too much detail now. The Spaniards, the French, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and many other European powers were rattling around the area way before the Anglo-Saxons established themselves in North America, which already contained at least 30 million natives. The natives mostly disappeared because of many complex reasons, without so much as an apology for that, for slavery, for land grabs, for wars that some historians clearly say were imperialist ambitions of a callous colonizer.

Regardless of the history, the Founding Fathers had a keen understanding of what brutal monarchies can do to a people. They drew from the 13th century Magna Carta, British common law, and from pure common sense to break away from the tyranny. Yes, mistakes were made in how the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were crafted to exclude slaves, to ignore the rights of the natives who possessed this land for, some evidence suggests, may have been 10,000 years. But at least we had a set of laws.

America spent 250 years tweaking the details from the Declaration, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution, and amendments, and showed an uncompromising desire to argue and revise the intent of these landmark documents. That has made this nation not quite perfect but at least admitting that it continues to journey toward a noble goal. We can say that this nation was founded with JudeoChristian principles, and that propelled it into being the greatest humanitarian society in world history. If that’s the case, did we fulﬁll the promise of what our religions taught?

So, what is going on with the country at this 250 years juncture?

We are not a country that suspends habeas corpus and due process. When people die of starvation and disease when the food and medication are already sitting in Africa, because we cut oﬀ aid, something has gone wrong. When people say immigrants should come into the country through legal channels and then entire families are pushed around and fathers arrested in the corridors of immigration courts where they are carrying paperwork to pursue citizenship, something has gone wrong.

is the principal of i-squared Wealth Management Inc. (www.isquaredwealth.com), an investment management firm based in New Jersey. ketu@isquaredwealth.com Subcontinental Divide

You can add a thousand other instances to argue the dismantling of America. No religion supports any of this. Nations that have progressed past this annihilation of the global economy have lost faith in the greatest gift that America had ever oﬀered to people around the world: The law, which is above any person; the compassion oﬀered by perhaps this 800-pound gorilla that was a beacon of hope for everyone who had a dream of a better life. The world is moving on. When the brand names, the respect, the humility, the kindness all fade, when the soft power fades, what type of country will emerge?

We are America! Let’s do better.

Ahsen Jillani

Ahsen Jillani lives in Mint Hill, NC, with his cat Goofus. Contact: ajillani@carolina.rr.com

Eye on Markets

continued from page 68

agentic AI is driving unprecedented demand for a higher reliance on technology. Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang said, “In 10 years, we’ll have, hopefully, 75,000 employees – as small as possible and as big as necessary. Those [human] employees will be working with seven and a half million [AI] agents. The agents will be working around the clock... We are going to solve some really incredible problems.”

Citi estimates that the CPU total addressable market could expand from $29.3 billion in 2025 to $131.5 billion in 2030, or a 35% compound annual growth rate. The increased reliance on technology will continue to grow as physical AI, robotics, and self-driving cars become more prevalent. Less than 1% of the population currently uses AI to its capabilities and we are already falling behind. Google in the past year has gone from processing 480 trillion tokens to 3.2 quadrillion. Goldman estimates by 2030, consumption will rise to 120 quadrillion tokens per month.

For investors, expect much more dispersion as the market re-values both winners and losers. There is an 85% spread between what the top quintile stock is doing versus the bottom. There have been multiple days in recent weeks with more S&P stocks down than up than in overall 52-week lows & highs. Only 4% of S&P stocks have even managed to hit new highs.

The winners are winning big, and the losers are losing big, which is leading to offsetting results for many passive investors. Around 222 companies of the 500 S&P stocks are more than 20% off their high, and 109 are off more than 40%. The gains for the winners will not come easy, as periodical violent events can shake out weak hands. Using technicals and conviction in fundamentals will be critical during those times. The combination of value transfer, volatility, offsetting positions, and dispersion means that it is probably better to be a stock picker than an index investor.

Looking forward, the market will focus on the latest in AI, geopolitics, rates, and a new Fed Chair.

Ketu Desai

CarToon Corner

Tune Your Brain

Solve these brain teasers - Solutions on Page 110

PUZZLES

Answers on page 104

Puzzles 4 Kids Answers on page 110

Maze Answers on page 110

Magic

Key Word Search

Fill in blanks of these clues, then take the ﬁrst letter of each word and unscramble them to ﬁnd this month’s Key Word.

George Washington was America’s _____ President. ____ say can you see, by the dawns’ early light... The _____ is a 52-acre park south of the White House. _____ of Independence, America’s founding document. America’s national bird and symbol Bald _____. The US Constitution was inﬂuenced by the _____ Carta.

United States has two main political parties, Democratic and _____.

Answers on page 104

Chess Puzzles

Difficulty:

Game reference: Artemiev v Startsev 2008

Directions: White to play, checkmate in 2

Difficulty:

Game reference: Aronian v Beshukov 2001

Directions: White to move and win material.

Answer:

Difficulty:

Game reference: Bindrich v Nisipeanu 2016

Directions: White to move, mate in 3

Answer:

Go Figure! Answers on page 104 Hello Readers

We welcome comments and suggestions about our puzzles and cartoons pages. Send your thoughts to Samir@Saathee.com

Festivals & Holidays Puzzle Solutions

JULY 2026

Jul. 1 - Canada Day

Jul. 4 - Independence Day (USA) (250 years)

Jul. 10 - Yogini Ekadashi

Jul. 11 - World Population Day

Jul. 14 - Darsh Amas (No Moon)

Jul. 14 - Bastille Day

Jul. 15 - Jagannath Rathyatra

Jul. 16 - Karka Sankranti

Jul. 16 - Ratha Yatra

Jul. 19 - National Ice Cream Day

Jul. 20 - International Chess Day

Jul. 23 - Tisha B’Av

Jul. 24 - Devshayani Ekadashi

Jul. 24 - Cousins Day

Jul. 25 - Gauri Vrat Begins

Jul. 26 - Jaya Parvati Vrat

Jul. 26 - Parents’ Day

Jul. 29 - Gauri Vrat Ends

Jul. 29 - Ashadha / Guru Purnima (Full Moon)

Jul. 30 - International Day of Friendship

Key Word Search Answers from page 103

First

Ellipse

Declaration

Eagle

Magna

Republican

Key Word of the Month: FREEDOM

1. Wheels changed

2. Car Headlight added

3. Fence posts added

4. Engineer added

5. Clock added

6. Smoke added

7. Mountain range added

8. Stripes added

Go Figure! answers from page 103 Spot the Di

9. Googly eyes added

10. Name/label changed

11. Pit added

12. Wheel removed

13. Machine Gun added

14. Garden added

15. Train tracks added

Puzzle Solutions from page 102

Astroscope

Aries

(March 21 – April 19)

Avoid any major decisions as this month gradually shifts from positive to negative. Use the ﬁrst half of the month to accomplish your goals as you will act carelessly during second half. You should enjoy this period with your partner & friends and may even experience a vacation. Drive and exercise attentively to avoid any mishaps.

Taurus

(April 20 – May 20)

Family/career-related decisions could be made this month but be prepared for some healthy competition. Try to work out business partnership disputes and avoid shady politics, as even a small lie can ruin any opportunity. Students may have to work harder to achieve their desired goals. Good news from far away may delight you by the end of the month. Also watch your health very carefully.

Gemini

(May 21 – June 20)

You may experience two very distinct lives during first and second half of the month. Great opportunities could come your way, so be sure to grab them as destiny is favoring you. Try to not lose your self-confidence under the influence of excitement or anger. Your partner may prove to be good help. Seriously watch your health this month. Avoid driving during last week, if possible.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

You will perform exceptionally at your workplace but see no immediate beneﬁt. You are on the verge of change by the last days of the month; don’t wait to make any decision as this turning point could bring tremendous relief. A discussion with your parents can even help you with these decisions. Any long-distance journeys must be avoided. Some ﬁnancial losses are also possible.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

You may experience a roller coaster ride this month. Carelessness could escalate to the point of causing serious health problems. Try to move fast and adopt ﬂexible attitude during the second half of the month. Support from friends and associates can delight you. A dispute with your partner is also possible. Listen to your children before making any bold decisions.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Fate will take the reins this month. The third week is the prime time to make decisions but be sure to act very cautiously. Avoid any aggression and make sure these decisions aren’t based on your friend’s advice. A family gathering during last days of the month may bring good luck. A steady state of health is clearly indicated. Also avoid short distance travel for now.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

You may have to change plans due to unavoidable circumstances. Subtle positive changes will occur over the course of the month. You may even feel like you are losing something and feel powerless. Remain vigilant and you should start experiencing good results by the third week of the month. Avoid ﬁnancial risks and don’t dispute with family elders.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

This is a period of great achievement and celebration with friends and elders basking in your tremendous success. You will enjoy love & respect from higher authorities and invest some money in business or home affairs. This period will become slightly more negative for students. Your enemies won’t dare harm you as you utilize your self-conﬁdence.

Sagittarius

(November 22 – December 21)

After a positive start, you will experience a minor downfall this month. You could lose your conﬁdence and make bad decisions so try to maintain easy temperament and keep working hard. Don’t overthink things and avoid taking on any loans / debt this month. A strong para-psychic experience may cause major negative consequences amongst your friend circle or family relations. Try to focus on studying and reading.

Capricorn

(December 22 – January 19)

You should experience minor positive changes at the beginning of the month. You may also feel relaxed despite an increased but rewarding workload. Support from family and business partners will bring good results in your business / trade. Continue watching your health and avoid enmity with anyone. Also don’t plan any outings, as your agenda could change without warning.

Aquarius

(January 20 – February 18)

Try to be practical this month and concentrate on enjoying family and social life. If working, there is one last chance to receive promotion. In either case, there will be a rise in income. Be aware of surreptitious enemies as they could destroy your plans and take away happiness. This is not a good time for students. If involved in a legal dispute, you should experience a positive outcome.

Pisces

(February 19 – March 20)

Even though you will feel that things are improving, some new problems will arise during the last week of the month. Minor health issues could turn into a prime concern. Act cautiously and avoid taking any kind of risk. Old family problems continue to bother you. Your performance at work could be poor, but luck will protect you. Long term planning is essential now.

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continued from page 58

The experiences I’m most proud of required exactly the opposite of comfort. Learning guitar is frustrating. Training for Machu Picchu wasn’t comfortable. But those things mattered not because of what they produced but because of who they helped me become.

That’s what I think the fisherman story misses. Going from one boat to a business would require courage, patience, resilience, and learning. The fisherman would have to become a different person. Maybe that journey has value, too, not because the destination is better, but because the transformation itself is worthwhile.

What worries me is a modern version of the fisherman. Not someone sitting peacefully by the ocean enjoying a simple life. A fisherman with a smartphone. A fisherman who spends hours scrolling social media, watching other people live their lives, comparing himself to influencers and strangers, and convincing himself that he is content because he no longer wants anything. From the outside it may look like rest. It may even look like wisdom. But scrolling is not peace. Quietly making yourself smaller isn’t the same as being satisfied.

The older I get, the less I care about accumulating things. But I find myself hungrier, not less — just hungry for different stuff. Not growth for status. Not growth for money. Learning something hard. Making something. Doing things that still scare me a little. At fifty-two, that’s what makes a week feel like it mattered.

So, when I hear the ﬁsherman story now, I don’t walk away inspired. I walk away a little suspicious of him, and honestly, of myself. I wonder whether I’m sometimes using contentment as wisdom when it’s really an excuse to stop growing. I will close by this beautiful line from James Clear “”A lovely blend: Always reaching. Already enough.”

Hiren Deliwala

is a Charlotte-based overthinker, closet philosopher, and avid board gamer. He writes about everyday life, Indian upbringing, and finding humor in the chaos. When not philosophizing over chai, he’s usually losing arguments to his wife and, shockingly, learning from them. Contact: hcdeliwala@gmail.com

Magic Maze & Puzzles4Kids answers pgs 102 -103

Mindful Masala

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Index for Charlotte, South Carolina & Atlanta Region

AGH Hospitality Supplies (Help Wanted)..............21

AmeriFab International.....................................111

Anand, Versha (Real Estate) .................................59

Anjappar (Now Open in Durham)........................28

Aura Salons (Salon Suites for Rent).......................15

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Charlotte)16 & 17

Bashyam Global LLP - Immigration Law............114

Bhagwat Katha (HSNC - Morrisville, NC)............10

Bhindi Jewelers ...............................................116

Bhoomi Trivedi (Navratri Garba - Friends of Charlotte).4

Blooming Buds...................................................55

Brijal Shah (Keller Williams - Real Estate).............89

British International School of Charlotte................9

Brown Immigration Law (Rishi Oza, Partner).......91

Carolina Law Group ...........................................97

Carolina Medical Partners...................................65

Charlotte Chess Center ........................................23

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat .........................83

Chiro-Carolina ...............................................71

Color Master Collision Center..............................81

Concha, David (Immigration Attorney).................81

Concord Children's Clinic ..................................87

Copper Restaurant (Charlotte).............................31

Countywide Commercial (Pavement Solutions)......59

Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services)....101

Desai & Mehta CPAs PLLC .................................89

Dhira Hapani (Realtor) .......................................75

DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani).....................................57

Eesha Realty, LLC...............................................43

Ekal Vidyalaya ...................................................47

Elite Motors.......................................................50

Firefly Realty (Mount Soma - Homes for Sale).......57

Geological Resources, Inc.....................................57

Glo Dentistry (Ankit M. Amin, DMD)..................33

Global Mall / Legacy Jewels ...............................115

H2 Laser & Skin..................................................75

Harish Bhasin (Independent Insurance Agent)......101

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Health Markets (Medicare, Health, Life, Supplemental)93 Heaven Properties LLC (Rohit Patel)....................63

Hetas Patel (Real Estate, Mortgage, Prop Management)29

Hindu Center of Charlotte (Events)...........3 & 76-79

i Care Med Clinic (Pineville).................................80

Insurance - Tushar Barot, Supreme Insurance Serv...99

Insurance Shopping (Sonal Patel - Independent Agent)113

JVC Realty (Balaji Tatineni Realtor / Broker).........69

KB Zaveree (Atlanta)...........................................19

Khanna & Sons Jewelers.........................................7

Krunal Joshi (Life Insurance Advisor)....................27

Kumar, Kokila (Real Estate - Allen Tate)................61

Lead Designs LLC.............................................111

Life Mission USA (Summer Youth Camp)..............45

Malak Jewelers....................................................35

Malaya Kitchen...................................................61

Malleswar Varikuti Realtor (Realty One Group).....25

Mass Mutual (Sunil Nagpal & Karl Stuppnig)........49

Master Sakthi (Astrologer & Psychic Spritual Healer)6

Mathur, Gitanjali (Howard Hanna Allen Tate)........27

Maxim Tours.......................................................37

Meenakshi Creations LLC....................................25

Mehta & McConnell, PLLC (Injury Lawyers).........44

Mint MedSpa & Laser Studio...............................65

Neeta's Beauty Parlor..........................................25

New York Life Insurance (Rasheed Ulhaq).............53

Nexus Capital & Venture Group............................41

North American Bancard ....................................11

NRS PAY Credit Card Processing.......................105

NSD Tax & Accounting Services............................53

One 2 Entertainment.........................................101

Partner Business LLC (Immigration Advice)..........47

Patel & Samatova, Law........................................53

Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices)................................55

PKT Tours USA..................................................39

Pramukh Mandapam...........................................37

Queen City Smiles (Dr. Kanupriya Tewari).............75

Raja Reslan - Financial Advisor (Edward Jones).....61

Ruby Realty LLC (Neil Pathak)............................70

Rug & Home.........................................................5

Ryan Shah (Tabla Lessons)...................................27

Sankalp Restaurant Charlotte..............................33

Shah & Associates, CPA, PLLC.............................99

Shah & Trivedi CPA, PLLC..................................39

Shah, Anish (Real Estate)....................................85

Sona Realty (Venkat Suryadevara)........................73

SP Orthodontics (Matthews)................................71

Swadhyay Pariwar..............................................51

Taaza Fresh Indian Bistro.....................................99

Technone LLC (Securtiy Systems).........................39

Telangana American Telugu Association Convention13

The Blue Taj........................................................31

The Carpet Queen...............................................63

TMSA (Public Charter Schools)...........................32

Travel Passion.....................................................53

Union Family Eye Associates (Dr. Keshav Bhat)......87

Uniworld Travel..................................................55

VAS Mortgage (Sunita Dalal).............................113

VAS Realty LLC (Ashwani Dalal).......................107

Vema Mortgage LLC (Chirag Rachhadia)..... 25 & 81

Vimal Realty (Vimal Patel Realtor / Broker).......66-67

Vishal-Sheykhar Concert Raleigh (RTP Ent)...........2

Windsor Run (Erickson Senior Living)..................15

Worldwide Travels..............................................113

Index for Raleigh (Triangle), Greensboro (Triad) & Virginia

AGH Hospitality Supplies (Help Wanted)..............21

AmeriFab International.....................................111

Anjappar (Durham)............................................65

Apna Bazar (Morrisville).....................................81

Aura Skin & Laser (Dipan Patel)..........................79

Bashyam Global LLP - Immigration Law............114

Bhagwat Katha (HSNC - Morrisville, NC)............10

Bhindi Jewelers ...............................................116

Bhoomi Trivedi (Navratri Garba - Friends of Charlotte)75

Blooming Buds...................................................55

Bombay Central (Grocery & Take Out Food)..........71

Brown Immigration Law (Rishi Oza, Partner).......91

Cary Internal Medicine & Diabetes Center, PA........73

Cary Medical Clinic.............................................67

Chandni's Beauty Salon .......................................33

Cone Health (Triad Foot & Ankle Center - Dr. K Patel)17

Crescent Dental (Dr. Kavita Ghai)........................59

Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services)....101

DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani).....................................57

Eesha Realty, LLC...............................................43

Ekal Vidyalaya ...................................................47

Euroclassics LTD (Auto Sales & Service)................31

Firefly Realty (Mount Soma - Homes for Sale).......57

GCAP (Events)...................................................33

Geological Resources, Inc.....................................57

Global Mall / Legacy Jewels ...............................115

Hashtag India Restaurant - Cary, NC....................63

Health Bloom (Anoon Sheth, MD, MMCI)............61

Health Markets (Medicare, Health, Life, Supplemental)93

Hindu Center Charlotte ......................................76

Huntington Learning Center...............................29

Inchin's Bamboo Garden......................................31

Insurance - Tushar Barot, Supreme Insurance Serv...99

Insurance Shopping (Sonal Patel - Independent Agent)113

International Community Church.........................73

KB Zaveree (Atlanta)...........................................19

Khanna & Sons Jewelers.........................................7

Kiran.................................................................23

Krunal Joshi (Life Insurance Advisor)....................27

Lead Designs LLC.............................................111

Life Mission USA (Summer Youth Camp)..............45

Madan Khatri (Vema Mortgage)..........................69 Malak Jewelers....................................................35

Mansi Gowin (Real Estate Advisor).......................17

Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Valley..........................66

Mass Mutual (Sunil Nagpal & Karl Stuppnig)........49

Master Sakthi (Astrologer &

(Cary)...........................................78

Mrugesh (Law Offices)................................55

PKT Tours USA..................................................39

Pramukh Mandapam...........................................37

PreJuve Medspa & Wellness (Neelu Agarwal MD)...67

Radha Krishna Temple of NC (JK Yog)...................3

Rajeev Devgon, CPA ...........................................69

RB Realty Group (Ravi Bheemarao).....................77

Real Triangle Properties (Joe Mathews).................85

Rug & Home.........................................................5

Ryan Shah (Tabla Lessons)...................................27

Shah & Associates, CPA, PLLC.............................99

Shah & Trivedi CPA, PLLC..................................39

Singh, Manny (Real Estate)..................................79

Spectrum Family Medicine (Sujatha Sajeevan, MD)85

Spices Hut .........................................................89

Stylish Me..........................................................27

Swadhyay Pariwar..............................................51

Taaza Fresh Indian Bistro.....................................99

Teamwork Health................................................59

Technone LLC (Securtiy Systems).........................39

Telangana American Telugu Association Convention13

TGA - Garba - Bhoomi Trivedi ...............................4

The Ivy Edge......................................................23

TMSA (Public Charter Schools)...........................16

Travel Passion.....................................................53

Triad Hindu Temple (Prana Prathishtapana)............9

Tutoring (Nirmala Koripella - A+ Tutoring)..........32

Uniworld Travel..................................................55

VAS Mortgage (Sunita Dalal).............................113

VAS Realty LLC (Ashwani Dalal).......................107

Vema Mortgage LLC (Vipul Hapani)............21 & 85

Vishal-Sheykhar Concert Raleigh (RTP Ent)...........2

Wake Spine & Pain..............................................25

West Cary Medicine (Dr. Kareem M.D.).................69

Worldwide Travels..............................................113